Imaging of invasive thymoma in the costophrenic recess presenting as thickening of arcuate ligaments of the diaphragm

Clin Imaging. 2014 Jul-Aug;38(4):529-531. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2014.02.002. Epub 2014 Feb 11.

Abstract

Imaging findings in a patient with invasive thymoma in the costophrenic recess are presented, in whom computed tomography (CT) and MRI revealed lateral arcuate ligament thickening. Increased fluoro-deoxy-glucose (FDG) uptake on subsequent positron emission tomography (PET)/CT was helpful in suggesting the correct diagnosis. A second patient with much more obvious invasive thymoma occurring in the costophrenic recess is presented for comparison. It is a well-known fact that thymic malignancies can metastasize to the pleura even years after resection. Rarely, they may present as focal thickening of the diaphragmatic lateral arcuate ligament.

Keywords: Arcuate ligament; Computed tomography; FDG/PE; Lateral; Thymoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diaphragm / diagnostic imaging*
  • Diaphragm / pathology
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Humans
  • Ligaments / diagnostic imaging*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Thymoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thymoma / pathology
  • Thymus Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thymus Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18