Radiological features of intrathoracic chronic expanding hematoma: A case report

We present a relatively rare case of intrathoracic chronic expanding hematoma (CEH) after thoracic surgery for lung cancer. CEH is often difficult to distinguish from malignant tumors because of its large size and slow progressive enlargement. In this report, we describe the radiological features of CEH in detail.

A 67-year-old man who underwent a left upper lobectomy for lung cancer at 46 years of age presented with hemosputum. Computed tomography revealed a large mass with central low attenuation. Calcification was detected in peripheral lesions of the mass. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a mass with mixed low and high signal intensities. Based on the clinical course, the patient was diagnosed with an intrathoracic CEH. A left posterolateral thoracotomy was performed with the patient in the lateral position, and a mass encased in a tough capsule was resected. The postoperative histopathological findings were consistent with CEH.

CT of intrathoracic CEH shows a lesion with heterogeneous content, a thick wall, and calcifications. However, differentiation from malignant tumors is difficult using CT alone. MRI is a good diagnostic modality for CEH and often shows a mixture of low- and high-intensity areas on T2-weighted images. In addition, the patient's medical history is important because most cases of CEH have a history of trauma or surgery.

To diagnose intrathoracic CEH, it is essential to consider the patient's clinical course and MRI findings.