List five differential diagnoses for multiple pleural densities.

List five differential diagnoses for multiple pleural densities.

1. Metastases, especially adenocarcinoma and malignant thymoma (can spread along pleural surfaces)
2. Loculated pleural effusions (pseudotumor)
3. Malignant mesothelioma (unilateral densities)
4. Pleural plaques from asbestosis (bilateral densities)
5. Lymphoma

 

Pleural masses are LAME mnemonic
Lymphoma
Asbestosis
Metastases
Mesothelioma
Effusion