Milk of calcium pleural collections: CT findings.

OBJECTIVE

Chest radiography and CT findings of five patients with milk of calcium pleural collections are described.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The diagnosis was based on needle aspiration in four patients and the presence of a fat-calcium level on CT in the remaining one. Four patients had a prior history of pleurisy.

RESULTS

Characteristic radiographic findings were homogeneous increased opacity with a double contour at the interface with the lung. Computed tomography showed that the lateral contour was the margin of the milk of calcium and the medial contour was the margin of the thickened visceral pleural facing the lung. On CT milk of calcium collection appeared as a homogeneous area of increased attenuation.

CONCLUSION

Recognition of the characteristic double contour on plain radiography would help prevent or avoid an erroneous diagnosis of pleural or extrapleural solid mass.