"Multimodality imaging of the extrapleural space lesions"

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Thoracic Imaging
• Medical Anatomy

Background:

• The extrapleural space (EPS), located between the parietal pleura and chest wall/diaphragm, is involved in various pathologies.
• Diseases of the EPS are frequently missed on imaging due to limited understanding of its anatomy and appearance.
• Recognizing EPS involvement is vital for appropriate treatment and malignancy staging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of EPS anatomy and pathologies.
• To discuss the utility of various imaging modalities for EPS lesions.
• To highlight the role of cross-sectional imaging and emerging technologies like spectral CT in diagnosing EPS diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of anatomical and pathological literature concerning the extrapleural space.
• Analysis of imaging findings for diverse EPS pathologies using conventional and advanced techniques.
• Emphasis on cross-sectional imaging modalities, including spectral CT.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of EPS anatomy and its involvement in inflammatory, infectious, traumatic, neoplastic, and infiltrative disorders.
• Evaluation of the diagnostic capabilities of different imaging techniques for EPS lesions.
• Demonstration of how spectral CT aids in specific diagnosis through characteristic imaging features.

Conclusions:

• Accurate knowledge of EPS anatomy and imaging is essential for radiologists.
• Timely diagnosis of EPS pathologies impacts treatment strategies and malignancy staging.
• Advanced imaging techniques, particularly spectral CT, enhance diagnostic accuracy for EPS diseases.