Imaging findings in pleuropulmonary blastoma

Pediatr Radiol. 2005 Apr;35(4):387-91. doi: 10.1007/s00247-004-1367-5. Epub 2005 Jan 19.

Abstract

Background: Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare tumor of the chest seen in young children and recently recognized as distinct from the pulmonary blastoma typically encountered in adults.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to review and describe the findings of PPB on radiography and CT in four patients.

Methods: Radiographs and CT findings were reviewed in four patients with pathologically proven PPB.

Results: All four cases demonstrated large masses in the right hemithorax with heterogeneous low attenuation, pleural effusion, contralateral mediastinal shift, and lack of chest wall invasion.

Conclusion: When a large pleural-based mass is identified in a young child, PPB should be considered. Suggestive findings include absence of chest wall invasion, presence of pleural fluid, right-sided location, and heterogeneous low attenuation.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Mediastinum / diagnostic imaging
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnostic imaging
  • Pleural Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pulmonary Blastoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pulmonary Blastoma / secondary
  • Retroperitoneal Space
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, Spiral Computed