Unusual giant pleural lipomas: imaging features

Pleural lipomas are rarely encountered in the thoracic cavity. Sometimes, they infiltrate the intercostal space to have a component on either side of the intercostal space forming a hourglass configuration. They are generally solitary, small and asymptomatic. We present the case of a 49-year-old man with two giant pleural lipomas, both originating from the right parietal pleura, and one of which was passing through the intercostal space giving rise to a hourglass-shaped configuration. When they occur, although benign, considering the evolutionary potential, excision is recommended.

Automated summary

Pleural lipomas are rare in the thoracic cavity, often solitary, small, and asymptomatic. Despite their benign nature, excision is recommended due to their potential for evolution.