Preoperative prediction of the localization of a solitary fibrous tumor using four-dimensional computed tomography: a case report

Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura (SFTP) are relatively rare primary pleural tumors. Four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) is reportedly useful in assessing parietal pleural invasion and adhesion in patients with lung cancer. We report a case in which 4D-CT was performed to evaluate SFTP localization and parietal pleural invasion and adhesions. A 62-year-old female presented with an abnormality on a chest radiograph. Chest CT revealed a well-demarcated solid nodule in the left lower lobe adjacent to the pleura. We considered that the tumor was intrapulmonary or arose from the visceral pleura, without adhesion or invasion to the chest wall based on 4D-CT. Primary lung cancer was suspected, and the tumor was resected. Pathological diagnosis revealed an SFTP. This case suggests that 4D-CT is useful in predicting the localization of SFTP and other thoracic tumors, assessing chest wall adhesion and invasion, and making surgical strategies.