PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - M-P. Debray
AU  - S. Marchand-Adam
AU  - R. Soufan
AU  - J. Ostinelli
AU  - P-Y.  Brillet
AU  - E. Schouman-Claeys
AU  - B. Crestani
TI  - Retrosternal and pleural “bridging” fibrosis mimicking malignancy in a patient exposed to asbestos
AID  - 10.1183/09059180.00000310
DP  - 2010 Jun 01
TA  - European Respiratory Review
PG  - 158--160
VI  - 19
IP  - 116
4099  - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/19/116/158.short
4100  - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/19/116/158.full
SO  - EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW2010 Jun 01; 19
AB  - Mediastinal fibrosis is a rare, benign disorder characterised by proliferation of fibrous tissue within the mediastinum. It can present as diffuse mediastinal infiltration or, more frequently, as a localised soft tissue mass, usually in the right paratracheal or subcarinal areas. 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has only been reported in a few case reports with variable aspects. Herein, we present an unusual pattern of mediastinal fibrosis, presenting as a thick retrosternal mass contiguous with pleural thickening. 18-FDG PET showed intensely increased uptake in the mass. Both the location of fibrosis and PET imaging were confusing with malignancy. Histopathological proof of benign fibrosis was obtained by surgery. The patient had been exposed to asbestos and the possible relationship of this particular pattern of fibrosis with asbestos exposure will be discussed.