Intrathoracic lipomas demonstrated by computed tomography

Nine cases of intrathoracic lipoma are reported. Computed tomography (CT) proved to be helpful in the diagnosis and management of these cases. The attenuations of the masses ranged from -70 to -140 Hounsfield units (HU). In 4 cases, needle biopsies were taken, confirming lipoma with mature fat cells. One patient also had a coelomic cyst with an attenuation of 20 HU, which was confirmed at thoracotomy. Another had an atypical lipoma which infiltrated the thoracic wall but was benign. In conclusion, we recommended investigation with CT scan for the diagnosis of lipoma.