[Pleural colonization of thymoma]

Six observations of peculiar pleural implants completely separated from invasive thymomas (examined by conventional chest x-ray and CT) were reviewed. CT was more effective than chest x-ray; number, size and extent of pleural lesions were underestimated by plain film studies. Moreover CT provides a densitometric evaluation of the pleural pathology being useful in differential diagnosis. CT can also be helpful as a guide to needle biopsy.