Role of Computed Tomography In Diagnosis & Mangment Of Pleural Lesions

Abstract

In this essay, the literature of the role of computed tomography in diagnosis and management of pleural lesion was reviewed by discussing the CT anatomy, pathology, CT appearances of different pleural lesions, with special interest for the technique and value of CT guided percutaneous biopsy. It was concluded that CT plays a major role in diagnosis and management of empyema. CT is superior to radiography in assessment of , pleural tumours and determination of extension in the lung or chest wall

and monitoring the results of therapy. CT is significantly more sensitive than plain radiographs in the detection of asbestos related pleural disease. High resolution CT is currently the most accurate technique in the diagnosis of pleural plaques. CT is particularly helpful in the assessment and management of loculated pleural effusion.

CT guided biopsy plays a valuable role m certain cases with diagnostic difficulty as discussed before, i.e., loculated pleural effusion, empyema, localized masses, or tumours of the pleura. Complex pleural lesions are best managed with CT guidance, few selected cases were used to demonstrate the efficiency of CT guided biopsy.