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Fat-containing lesions of the chest
Scott C Gaerte1, Cristopher A Meyer, Helen T Winer-Muram
1Department of Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Hospital, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5253, USA. sgaerte@iupui.edu
Summary
Fat-containing lesions in the chest, though uncommon, can be diagnosed using advanced imaging like computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Recognizing these specific fat signatures aids in rapid and accurate differential diagnosis of chest abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Pathology
Background:
- Most chest lesions lack specific features on imaging.
- Fat-containing lesions are occasionally identified using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse range of fat-containing lesions in the chest.
- To highlight imaging characteristics that aid in the diagnosis of these lesions.
Main Methods:
- Review of cross-sectional imaging findings (CT and MRI) of various fat-containing chest lesions.
- Correlation of imaging features with histopathological diagnoses where available.
- Emphasis on characteristic appearances of specific entities.
Main Results:
- Fat-containing lesions can occur in the lung parenchyma, airways, mediastinum, and heart.
- Specific CT findings include smooth edges, fat-soft tissue mixtures, and calcifications (e.g., endobronchial hamartoma, teratoma).
- Fat herniation into the chest can be identified, often with characteristic locations and diaphragmatic defects.
Conclusions:
- Identification of fat within a chest lesion significantly narrows the differential diagnosis.
- Advanced imaging techniques, including sagittal and coronal reformatted images, are crucial for definitive diagnosis.
- Radiologic diagnosis of fat-containing chest lesions can often be definitive, reducing the need for invasive procedures.