Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Knipe H, Weerakkody Y, Sharma R, et al. Thoracolith. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 28 Mar 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-53188
Thoracoliths (or thoracolithiasis if multiple) are benign intrapleural loose bodies. They are rare, calcified pleural-based nodules that are almost always incidental. They are usually considered mobile, and more common on the left.
They have a reported incidence of less than 0.1%.
The exact etiology is unknown and theories include 1,2:
Location
There may be predilection towards the lower thoracic region 4.
CT
These may been seen small solitary distinct nodules in the pleural space. Most range in size from 5 to 15 mm (median 8 mm) and tend to be rounded to ovoid and smoothly marginated.
They can often be mobile between serial scans.
In some situations (e.g. if small) they may mimic
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