Abstract
Inflammatory conditions of the pleura characterized by a predominantly lymphocytic
infiltrate are described in several disorders. The commonest underlying aetiologies
include tuberculous infection, autoimmune disorders (particularly Sjogren's syndrome),
and post coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Idiopathic lymphocytic pleuritis (ILP)
is a rare form of diffuse pleural inflammation characterized by extensive lymphocytic
infiltration for which no cause is found. Radiological descriptions of ILP are limited.
We describe the radiographic and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging
features and response to corticosteroid therapy of ILP in two adults. Both patients
presented with bilateral diffuse pleural thickening of >10 mm thickness extending
>10 cm craniocaudally with small focal areas of atelectasis. Both cases demonstrated
marked improvement in the degree and extent of pleural thickening and rounded atelectasis
following corticosteroid therapy. HRCT provided a useful noninvasive method of assessing
disease response to therapy.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 03, 2009
Accepted:
July 21,
2009
Received in revised form:
June 5,
2009
Received:
September 25,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc.
