Radiology Case Reports

Our medical research library holds 16 studies published in Radiology Case Reports (2012–2026). Each entry links to the study's record on PubMed and, where there is one, to the publisher's page and a free full text. 16 have an abstract, the authors' own summary as PubMed records it: open "Abstract" to read it.

About the journal

• Publisher: Elsevier
• Published: 2006 to the present, Netherlands
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1930-0433 (electronic)
• Its record in the NLM Catalog

2020s

• Localised malignant mesothelioma presenting as an esophageal mass: An unusual manifestation. K.L. Yaxley, T. Rutland, T. Jayawardena, et al. 2026;21(8):3313-3318. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive neoplasm arising from mesothelial cells, typically presenting with pleural thickening, pleural effusions, or respiratory symptoms. Dysphagia as a presenting symptom is extremely uncommon, and esophageal involvement is rare. We report a 71-year-old male with an 18-month history of progressive dysphagia and significant weight loss. Initial gastroscopy was unremarkable, but repeat endoscopy revealed a smooth lower esophageal stricture. Contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated a well-circumscribed esophageal mass with minimal pleural thickening, and PET-CT confirmed high FDG uptake in the mass and subtle anterior and posterior mediastinal pleural foci. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the esophageal lesion revealed epithelioid cells positive for mesothelial markers (CK5, D2-40, WT1, Calretinin, CK7) with loss of BAP1 and MTAP, consistent with epithelioid mesothelioma. The patient was commenced on immunotherapy but lost to follow-up. This case represents an unusual manifestation of localized malignant mesothelioma presenting primarily as an esophageal mass, with minimal pleural disease. The diagnosis was established via endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration, highlighting the utility of minimally invasive techniques in atypical presentations. It underscores the importance of considering mesothelioma in the differential diagnosis of unexplained esophageal or mediastinal masses, even in the absence of classic pleural findings. Mesothelioma can rarely present with dominant esophageal involvement. Awareness of this atypical presentation facilitates timely diagnosis, appropriate management, and may prevent diagnostic delays in patients presenting with dysphagia.

  © 2026 The Authors.

• A rare presentation of peritoneal mesothelioma: Esophageal encasement and Sister Mary Joseph nodule. D.W.P. Loong, R. Smith, R. Rattan. 2025;20(11):5407-5410. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM) is a rare malignancy that accounts for approximately 10%-30% of all mesothelioma cases, with the more common type being pleural mesothelioma. In this case report, we describe an atypical presentation of MPeM in a 73-year-old female presenting with periumbilical swelling and subacute chest pain. Imaging demonstrated a large periumbilical mass and a posterior mediastinal mass encasing, but not obstructing, the esophagus. A brief literature review examining the broad range of clinical and imaging manifestations of MPeM is presented.

  Crown Copyright © 2025 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.

• Pembrolizumab-induced vasculitis demonstrated by FDG-PET/CT. T. Vu, S.R. O'Brien, S.X. Ma, et al. 2024;19(9):3959-3961. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  A 76-year-old man with a history of malignant pleural mesothelioma treated with pembrolizumab underwent FDG-PET/CT for restaging. The images demonstrated FDG uptake overlying the right hepatic and splenic artery, which were new from the previous FDG-PET/CT 2.5 years prior before the patient started pembrolizumab, suspicious for vasculitis. A follow-up MRI supported the diagnosis with evidence of celiac, splenic, common hepatic, and right hepatic artery involvement. Pembrolizumab was discontinued and the patient received a short course of oral glucocorticoids. Subsequent FDG-PET/CT performed 14 months after initiation of treatment for vasculitis demonstrated resolution of vasculitis. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can cause vasculitis, which can be recognized on FDG-PET/CT and lead to appropriate treatment.

  © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.

• Pleural small cell lung cancer masquerading as malignant mesothelioma: A case report. A.H. Hong Lee, S.J. Macalister, K.K. Yap. 2024;19(8):2969-2972. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Nodular soft tissue pleural thickening on imaging is highly suggestive of malignancy, of which pleural malignant mesothelioma and metastatic disease are differentials. We present the case of a 71-year-old male who presented with acute worsening of shortness of breath associated with a recurrent left pleural effusion post-pleurocentesis. He was an ex-smoker with previous asbestos exposure. Computed tomography performed demonstrated left-sided pleural thickening in the hemithorax and hemidiaphragm with complex pleural effusion. 18F-2-deoxy-d-glucose whole body PET scan revealed extensive uptake throughout the left hemithorax in multiple pleural masses. The imaging findings and clinical case were typical of malignant mesothelioma. However, histopathology results revealed small cell lung cancer. We need to be cognisant of this atypical presentation of a common disease entity. Even when all clinical and imaging findings point towards a certain diagnosis, histopathological assessment cannot be ignored.

  © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.

• Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma presenting as small bowel obstruction. A.R. Tagliaferri, G. Melki, A. Rezkalla, et al. 2023;18(8):2681-2684. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Mesotheliomas are aggressive malignant tumors which can occur most commonly in the pleural space, however can occur in the peritoneum in those with an extensive history of asbestos exposure. Primary peritoneal mesothelioma is relatively rare and is a fatal diagnosis. The prognosis of primary peritoneal mesothelioma is very poor and individuals are at high risk of developing mesothelioma in another cavity within the first year after initial diagnosis. Herein, we present a case of primary peritoneal mesothelioma, presenting as small bowel obstruction.

  © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.

• Metastatic pulmonary calcification on bone scintigraphy of a patient with lupus nephritis and end-stage renal disease. N.H. Cheng, Y. Li, G. Cheng. 2023;18(11):3993-3996. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  A 65-year-old male complaining of low back pain was noted to have diffuse, homogenous bilateral lung uptake on Tc-99m methylene diphosphate (Tc99m-MDP) bone scintigraphy. The patient had no prior history of pulmonary disease with no apparent respiratory symptoms at time of imaging, but did endorse a long history of lupus nephritis and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis. Review of prior chest CT and chest X-ray imaging over the last 5 years revealed diffuse ground-glass opacities and extensive parenchymal calcifications, consistent with metastatic pulmonary calcification. These radiological findings were further corroborated by laboratory studies, which demonstrated longstanding secondary hyperparathyroidism with a most recent work-up including an iPTH level of 1251 pg/mL. The differential diagnosis of bilateral, diffuse Tc99m-MDP uptake on bone scintigraphy includes tracer contamination, pulmonary etiologies such as pleural effusion or mesothelioma, metabolic diseases such as metastatic pulmonary calcification, and genetic diseases including pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis. In the setting of longstanding renal dysfunction and chronic hypercalcemia as in this patient, such radiological findings are a classic presentation of metastatic pulmonary calcification.

  Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.

• Multiple serous membrane effusion caused by primary pericardial mesothelioma. B.T. Dung, N.T. Hien, N.H. Dinh, et al. 2023;18(9):2903-2906. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Primary pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely rare cancer with a short survival prognosis. Clinical symptoms are often atypical, and most patients are diagnosed after surgery or at autopsy. We report a case of a 35-year-old female patient with multiple serous membrane effusion for more than 1 year. The patient underwent pericardial, pleural, and peritoneal fluid drainage many times and underwent many laboratory tests to find the cause; however, there was no definitive diagnosis. She was admitted to the hospital because of shortness of breath, cough, and sputum for 5 days. She underwent extensive pericardiectomy to resolve the dyspnea and pericardial surgery to find the cause of the multiple serous membrane effusion. After surgery, her dyspnea was relieved, and the serous effusion gradually decreased.

  © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.

• Pleural metastasis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma mimicking diffuse mesothelioma: A case report and literature study. E. Shalahuddin, F. Hayati. 2023;18(3):818-823. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Conditions on pleura cover a broad range of pathology ranging from benign to malignant, which may potentially carry a poor prognosis and lead to high morbidity and mortality. Radiology plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of pleural malignancy; however, the diagnostic endeavor can be challenging because of overlapping radiological appearances of one condition to another. This case report presents a 61-year-old male with worsening chronic shortness of breath. Despite early imaging resulting in highly suggested mesothelioma, subsequent biopsy proved the malignancy to be pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent Pemetrexed-Cisplatin protocol in accordance with the biopsy result, and follow-up imaging depicted a marked improvement of the pleural condition. This case is a prime example of the challenge radiologists have to face regarding pleural tumors and dictates the necessity of a specialized multidisciplinary team to improve the patient's outcome.

  © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.

• CT imaging of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: A case report. A.T. Basja, M.H.S. Atmaja. 2022;17(4):1256-1260. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  The peritoneal cavity is the second most common location for mesothelioma with only 10.5% of 10,589 mesothelioma cases reported in the United States between 1973 until 2005 and known with poor prognosis. Diagnosing malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a challenge for many clinicians because the symptoms are often non-specific. Therefore, the emergence of computer tomography (CT) features knowledge and another finding is an essential aspect in establishing the diagnosis. We present a case 43-years-old man with no history of malignancy presented with abdominal distention, weight loss, and decreased appetite for 2 months. To pursue the proper diagnosis an abdominal CT was performed and revealed diffuse, irregular thickening of the parietal peritoneum with multiple nodules, and the chest CT revealed a left-sided pleural effusion with multiple nodules in both lungs. Concomitant with the imaging result, histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis of a core biopsy of the peritoneal nodule showed a malignant round cell tumor indicating the source of the mesothelioma.

  © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.

• Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma mimicking ovarian cancer. Z.I. Houssaini, H.E. Agouri, S. Amalik, et al. 2022;17(3):779-783. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) and peritoneal carcinomatosis have similar computed tomography imaging features. Peritoneal carcinomatosis is a known metastatic site for many malignancies and particularly gastrointestinal tract and ovarian cancers. Also, DMPM can masquerade as an ovarian epithelial neoplasm, with very similar clinical presentation and an overlap in imaging findings. When no evident primary tumor is detected other than the peritoneal disease, primary malignant mesothelioma should be considered. Since accurate diagnosis is essential for treatment management, the gold standard in differentiating between these two entities lies in histological analysis. We report a case of DMPM that was initially misdiagnosed as an ovarian cancer, where the biopsy of a peritoneal nodule was able to correct and confirm the diagnosis of DMPM.

  © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.

• Marked ventilation impairment due to progression of diffuse pleural thickening after cardiac surgery. T. Touma, R. Taira, T. Makida, et al. 2022;17(1):1-4. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  A 64-year-old Japanese man presented with dyspnea and shortness of breath during exertion. Chest computed tomography revealed bilateral pleural effusion. He was drowsy because of CO2 storage and died due to ventilatory impairment. His past medical history included a thymectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy with thymoma. He had undergone cardiac surgery and permanent pacemaker implantation. The autopsy examination revealed extensive bilateral pleural adhesions and diffuse visceral pleural thickening. An inspection of multiple lung sections failed to detect any asbestos body formation or mesothelioma. The patient's pleural effusion and diffuse pleural thickening may have exacerbated after cardiac surgery. In this case, the progression and pathophysiology of the pleural thickening could be traced by imaging and an autopsy, and we were able to estimate the factors that exacerbated the pleural thickening and ventilation impairment.

  © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.

• Medical-type peritoneal mesothelioma leading to death two months after onset of fever of unknown origin. K. Ishizuka, T. Uehara, M. Arai, et al. 2022;17(3):540-543. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  In malignant mesotheliomas, cases involving the peritoneum as the primary site are rare, accounting for approximately 10% of all mesothelioma cases. We report a case of medical-type peritoneal mesothelioma leading to death 2 months after the onset of fever of unknown origin, along with a review of the literature. A 76-year-old man presented with a fever of unknown origin over 4 weeks. Thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed increased mesenteric adipose tissue density. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scan showed diffuse hyperaccumulation in the mesentery and hyperaccumulation in the intraperitoneal and parasternal lymph nodes. A thoracoscopic biopsy of the parasternal lymph nodes revealed metastatic peritoneal mesothelioma. The treatment plan was discussed with him and his family, and the best supportive care was provided. 2 months later, he died from multiple organ failure. Underlying malignant tumors cause 38% of mesenteric panniculitis cases. Symptoms accompanied by lymphadenopathy within the area of mesenteric panniculitis are highly suggestive of malignancy. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be classified as (1) classical, which is accompanied by abdominal pain, ascites, and abdominal masses; (2) surgical, which is accompanied by hernia incarceration and intestinal occlusion; and (3) medical, wherein systemic symptoms, such as fever and weight loss, are primarily observed. The medical-type peritoneal mesothelioma, wherein systemic symptoms are primarily observed, has a poorer prognosis than the other types. FDG-PET/CT is an effective diagnostic modality for peritoneal mesothelioma and typically shows diffuse hyperaccumulation along the peritoneal surface.

  © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.

• Intrapleural silicone granuloma mimicking pleural malignancy. K. Vo, M. Kilgore, J. Scheel. 2021;16(12):3824-3828. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  We describe a 78-year-old initially presenting with left breast cancer, status post mastectomy and bilateral dual-lumen breast implant placement, subsequently developed lung cancer years later status post lobectomy, who later developed FDG-avid pleural nodularity and thickening. The differential diagnosis of pleural thickening and nodularity can be broad, including metastatic cancer, asbestos-related pleural disease, loculated fluid (including simple pleural effusion, hemothorax, or chylothorax), and pleural infection. However, in the setting of two different primary malignancies, our patient's FGD-avid pleural thickening was concerning for metastatic disease. Further workup with a core-needle biopsy of the pleural nodule revealed "droplets of foreign material and foreign body giant cell reaction consistent with contents of ruptured medical device", without evidence of malignancy. Prior imaging did not indicate breast implant compromise. A subsequent mammogram suggested findings of bilateral implant rupture, however, no further clinical workup was performed. A screening mammogram a decade later indicated possible extracapsular silicone within the right breast and left mastectomy site and an MRI was recommended for further workup. Subsequent MRI showed bilateral extracapsular silicone implant rupture with a thick layer of silicone signal within the left pleura in a similar distribution to her pleural thickening and nodularity. Her breast MRI findings, in conjunction with her pleural biopsy result, are concordant with pleural silicone granulomas from extracapsular breast implant rupture via radio-occult tract from prior left lobectomy procedure.

  © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.

• Imaging appearance of cystic and solid mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis. T.D. Hannappel, M.J. DeVries, N.J. Hansen. 2020;15(7):809-811. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  We present the case of a 32-year-old male who presented with a growing scrotal mass initially diagnosed as benign adenomatoid tumor on ultrasound 6 years prior. Repeat ultrasound showed an abnormal extra-testicular mass with nodular and cystic components and internal vascularity. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis confirmed a right extra-testicular scrotal mass with cystic and solid enhancing components. The patient underwent radical orchiectomy and postoperative pathology diagnosed mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis of the testis. Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis of the testis is an exceptionally rare disease. We discuss the risk factors, imaging features, and treatment strategies of the disease.

  © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.

2010s

• Metastatic biphasic pleural mesothelioma presenting with cauda equina syndrome. P. Pranay, V. Serafimov, J. Hall, et al. 2018;13(3):736-739. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Patient with previous asbestos exposure on a watchful wait and watch regime presents acutely with cauda equina syndrome. Radiological imaging confirmed a mass with direct invasion of the spinal cord. Histology confirmed metastatic pleural mesothelioma.

• Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma presenting as a complex omental lesion. R. Sudanthiram, C. Vemulapalli, A. Raja, et al. 2012;7(2):539. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive neoplasm with a poor prognosis. It simulates a spectrum of conditions and thus poses great difficulty in diagnosis and management. We report a case of malignant peritoneal mesotheolima in a young female whose abdominal CT showed a complex lesion occupying the entire abdominal cavity. This lesion mimicked an ovarian malignancy with peritoneal carcinomatosis.

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