Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura: ultrasonographic imaging findings of 3 cases

Abstract

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the pleura is a rare tumor of mesenchymal origin. Although radiographic findings of thoracic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of SFTs of the pleura have been documented, the value of ultrasonography is uncertain. We presented the ultrasonographic findings of 3 pathologically proven cases of SFTs arising from the visceral pleura. In all the cases, thoracic ultrasonography demonstrated homogeneous, hypoechoic, hemicycle, extrapulmonary lesions, which showed respiratory movement with the adjacent lung, consistent with pedunculated tumors. Preoperative thoracic ultrasonography could be useful in the evaluation of patients with pleural tumors, especially SFTs.

Keywords: CT; MRI; Pleural tumor; Preoperative diagnosis; SFT; Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura; US; Ultrasonography; computed tomography; magnetic resonance imaging; solitary fibrous tumor; ultrasonography.