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Multiple thoracolithiasis: An incidental finding
E Rawstorne1, J Muzaffar1, M Hawari1
1Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, UK.
Journal of Surgical Case Reports
|June 25, 2014
Summary
This case report details two rare benign intrapleural fibrotic masses, thoracoliths, found in the same chest cavity. Thoracolithiasis is a rare cause of incidental thoracic lesions.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Thoracoliths are uncommon benign intrapleural fibrotic structures.
- Only 19 cases have been previously documented in medical literature.
- This report describes the first instance of two thoracoliths in a single patient's hemithorax.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of dual thoracoliths within the same hemithorax.
- To highlight thoracolithiasis as a differential diagnosis for incidental thoracic findings.
Main Methods:
- Incidental identification of bilateral lesions via computed tomography (CT).
- Surgical excision using video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).
- Histopathological examination of the resected lesions.
Main Results:
- Two thoracoliths, measuring 20mm and 14mm, were surgically removed.
- Histology confirmed dense collagen shells surrounding necrotic fat cores.
- Lesions were asymptomatic and remained immobile on serial imaging.
Conclusions:
- Thoracolithiasis is a rare differential diagnosis for multiple, non-mobile, incidental thoracic lesions.
- Video-assisted thoracic surgery is an effective method for thoracolith removal.
- This case expands the understanding of thoracolith presentation.
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