Applications of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Thorax in Pleural Diseases: A State-of-the-Art Review

Abstract

The aim of this review was to present the main aspects of pleural diseases seen with conventional and advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. This modality is considered to be the gold standard for the evaluation of the pleural interface, characterization of complex pleural effusion, and identification of exudate and hemorrhage, as well as in the analysis of superior sulcus tumors, as it enables more accurate staging. The indication for MRI of the thorax in the identification of these conditions is increasing in comparison to computerized tomography, and it can also be used to support the diagnosis of pulmonary illnesses. This literature review describes the morphological and functional aspects of the main benign and malignant pleural diseases assessed with MRI, including mesothelioma, metastasis, lymphoma, fibroma, lipoma, endometriosis, asbestos-related pleural disease, empyema, textiloma, and splenosis.

CT and MRI findings of bronchopulmonary endometriosis: a case presentation

“…Recently, the usefulness of MRI for the diagnosis of thoracic endometriosis was reported ( 4 – 9 ). T1W imaging showed high signal intensity and DWI was sensitive for small hematomas in pleurodiaphragmatic endometriosis ( 5 , 7 , 9 ). To the best of our knowledge, there has been no report about MRI findings of bronchopulmonary endometriosis.…”

“…Recently, the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was reported for the diagnosis of intrathoracic endometriosis, but most published reports were about pleurodiaphragmatic endometriosis ( 4 – 9 ). We present CT and MRI findings of bronchopulmonary endometriosis that showed a gradually enlarging nodule in the left lung.…”

Pulmonary endometriosis: an unusual cause of hemoptysis

“…Endometriotic nodules are commonly hyperintense when they are located on the pleural surface, although their signal intensity can differ between T1- and T2-weighted images. 4 - 6 One of the most rapidly evolving techniques in the MRI field is diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). In some cases, the restricted diffusion seen on DWI could be useful for the detection of small endometriomas, which show variable degrees of restricted diffusion, depending on the age of the lesion.…”

Pleural Diseases in Pregnancy: Aetiology and Management

“…Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now increasingly being used for assessment of lung conditions such as metastasis, lymphoma, lipoma, endometriosis and empyema. 13 It gives better clinical information on the extent of the disease and its relation to surrounding tissue structures.…”