Chest Imaging

Pleural calcification

may occur secondary to any process which causes pleural thickening. It most commonly occurs secondary to pleural infection (particularly tuberculous empyema), haemothorax or asbestos exposure. Pleural calcification secondary to empyema or haemothorax has similar radiographic appearances; it is usually unilateral, of variable extent and is most prominent posterolaterally and at the bases. Both the visceral and parietal pleura are affected and may be separated and contain residual, loculated pleural fluid. En face pleural calcification causes a hazy increase in opacification; in profile it is better detected as dense linear opacities adjacent to the chest wall. It is often best seen on lateral or oblique chest radiographs. Small amounts may be difficult to detect with high kV techniques. CT is more sensitive than chest radiography.

CF - HM