progressive massive fibrosis

Progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) refers to the formation of large mass-like conglomerates, predominantly in the upper pulmonary lobes, associated with radiating strands. These classically develop in the context of certain pneumoconioses (especially coal worker's pneumoconiosis and silicosis) although similar mass-like densities have occasionally been described with talcosis.

Radiographic features

Plain radiograph

May be seen as large symmetric bilateral opacities with irregular margins in the upper lobes .

CT

Mass-like areas of lung opacification associated with radiating strands are seen; the "sausage-shaped" mass is characteristic. These regions commonly contain air bronchograms and calcifications . These areas can shrink over time and migrate towards the hilar regions .

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging can be helpful for distinguishing between progressive massive fibrosis and lung cancer . The latter typically appears as T2-bright, whereas progressive massive fibrosis appears as T2-dark (compared to skeletal muscle) .

The most frequent MRI appearance are regions which have following signal characteristics :

  • T1: iso- to hyperintense
  • T2:
    • hypointense (compared with skeletal muscle)
    • areas of internal high T2 signal
    • there may be rim enhancement
Nuclear medicine

On PET-CT, progressive massive fibrosis can be FDG-avid .

Differential diagnosis

Possible differential considerations include:

In some situations consider pulmonary manifestations of sarcoidosis.

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