Septal lines in pleural inflammation: multidetector computed tomography findings in 30 patients.

摘要

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the interstitial changes adjacent to pleural inflammation on multidetector computed tomography. METHODS: The multidetector computed tomography scans of 30 patients with pleural inflammation were retrospectively and blindly evaluated by 2 observers. A control group of 7 patients with documented fibrothorax was also included. The number, appearance, thickness, and extent of septal lines were analyzed. RESULTS: More than 10 septal lines immediately adjacent to the abnormal pleura were seen in 22 of the 30 patients with pleural inflammation and 2 of the 7 patients with fibrothorax (P<0.01). Septal lines that are more than 1 mm thick were seen in 13 of the 30 patients with acute inflammation and none of the patients with fibrothorax (P<0.01). Differences between focal and diffuse pleural inflammation included 10 cm or greater craniocaudal extent and more smooth septal lines with diffuse pleural inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Pleural inflammation is associated withincreased number and thickening of septal lines in the immediately adjacent lung parenchyma.