Imaging of Chest Wall and Pleura

Abstract

Chest wall and pleural pathologies have always been a diagnostic challenge for the clinicians and the radiologists. These pathologies range from various congenital chest wall deformities, inflammatory or infectious lesions, as well as benign and malignant tumors. Radiographs are often the first-line imaging modality and are useful in the follow-up assessment. Ultrasound is helpful in the assessment of soft-tissue lumps involving the chest wall and pleural pathologies. Its role is much more important in guiding drainage procedures. Cross-sectional imaging techniques, namely, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are used in the localization and extent assessment of the chest wall and pleural abnormalities.