Imaging findings in pleuropulmonary blastoma.

BACKGROUND

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare tumor of the chest seen in young children and recently recognized as distinct from the pulmonary blastoma typically encountered in adults.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to review and describe the findings of PPB on radiography and CT in four patients.

METHODS

Radiographs and CT findings were reviewed in four patients with pathologically proven PPB.

RESULTS

All four cases demonstrated large masses in the right hemithorax with heterogeneous low attenuation, pleural effusion, contralateral mediastinal shift, and lack of chest wall invasion.

CONCLUSION

When a large pleural-based mass is identified in a young child, PPB should be considered. Suggestive findings include absence of chest wall invasion, presence of pleural fluid, right-sided location, and heterogeneous low attenuation.