CTICasesPleural Tent Post-Operative Appearance
Imaging findings
Frontal and lateral chest radiographs demonstrate apical extrapleural and pleural air/fluid collections, a chest tube, and a distinct soft-tissue opacity at the lung apex. CT imaging reveals the apical soft-tissue density consists of extrapleural fat and a thickened band of parietal pleura that has been stripped from the endothoracic fascia and sutured to the top of the lung, creating a pleural tent.
Key takeaways
A pleural tent is a surgical technique used in lung volume reduction surgery or upper lobectomies to reduce apical dead space and prevent persistent postoperative air leaks. The resulting apical gas collection and extrapleural fat can mimic a loculated pneumothorax or mass, but can be distinguished by recognizing the characteristic anchoring of the lung at the insertion point.
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