Primary pleural lymphoma: plaque-like thickening of the pleura

Jpn J Radiol. 2010 Jan;28(1):62-5. doi: 10.1007/s11604-009-0377-5. Epub 2010 Jan 30.

Abstract

Primary pleural lymphoma is a rare entity that has been described in association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or pyothorax. We report a 63-year-old-man with no history of HIV infection or pyothorax who presented with progressive dyspnea and nonproductive cough. Chest radiography revealed complete opacification of the left hemithorax, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed large left pleural effusion and thin, homogeneous, plaque-like thickening of the parietal pleura. Thoracoscopic pleural biopsy was consistent with grade 1 extranodal follicular lymphoma of the pleura. The authors suggest that physicians should be aware of this rare location of primary pleural lymphoma manifested by plaque-like thickening of the pleura but not accompanied by mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Contrast Media
  • Cough / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma / complications
  • Lymphoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pleura / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pleura / pathology
  • Pleural Neoplasms / complications
  • Pleural Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pleural Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / methods
  • Thoracoscopy / methods

Substances

  • Contrast Media