[Computed tomographic findings in diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma]

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare tumour and often difficult to diagnose. In this report, the CT findings of 50 patients with proven malignant pleural mesothelioma are described and tabulated. In 31 cases the CT findings could be compared with the results of thoracotomy and thoracoscopy. CT proved reliable in evaluating the exact extent of the disease. Additionally, a combination of findings can be detected by CT, suggesting the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The limitations of CT in malignant pleural mesothelioma are discussed.