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Thoracic textilomas: CT findings
Dianne Melo Machado1, Gláucia Zanetti1, Cesar Augusto Araujo Neto1
1Department of Radiology, Antonio Pedro University Hospital, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil.
Summary
Chest CT scans reveal thoracic textilomas, often a complication of heart surgery. Recognizing these mass characteristics is key for diagnosing chest pain and cough post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Thoracic textiloma is a rare postoperative complication.
- It often results from retained surgical materials within the thoracic cavity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the chest CT scan findings in patients diagnosed with thoracic textiloma.
- To identify key imaging characteristics for differential diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of chest CT scans from 16 patients with surgically confirmed thoracic textiloma.
- Evaluation by two independent observers with consensus for discordant results.
Main Results:
- Most textilomas (62.5%) were linked to prior heart surgery.
- Common symptoms included chest pain (68.75%) and cough (56.25%).
- CT scans consistently showed masses with well-defined borders, often heterogeneous, with peripheral expansion after contrast administration.
Conclusions:
- Thoracic textiloma should be considered in the differential diagnosis for chest pain and cough in patients with a history of thoracic surgery.
- Early identification via characteristic CT findings aids prompt treatment of this complication.
