Imaging of thoracic textiloma.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Intrathoracic textiloma (gossypiboma) is a rare but serious complication of surgery.
• Retained surgical sponges in the thoracic cavity require accurate diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the topographic characteristics of thoracic gossypiboma.
• To describe the imaging features, particularly computed tomography (CT) findings, of thoracic gossypiboma.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of eight patients treated for thoracic gossypiboma.
• Review of imaging modalities including chest radiography, ultrasonography, CT, and MRI.
• Correlation of imaging findings with surgical history.

Main Results:

• Gossypiboma location varied based on surgical history (abdominal vs. thoracic).
• Ultrasonography showed hyperechoic masses with acoustic shadows.
• CT revealed low-attenuating masses with gas or high-attenuating masses.
• MRI identified diaphragmatic defects in cases of abdominal origin.

Conclusions:

• Thoracic gossypiboma exhibits diverse CT appearances depending on location (pleural or parenchymal).
• The classic spongiform appearance is not the sole CT presentation.
• Integrating CT findings with surgical history is crucial for preoperative diagnosis.