The apical cap

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1981 Aug;137(2):299-306. doi: 10.2214/ajr.137.2.299.

Abstract

Apical caps, either unilateral or bilateral, are a common feature of advancing age and are usually the result of subpleural scarring unassociated with other diseases. Pancoast (superior sulcus) tumors are a well recognized cause of unilateral asymmetric apical density. Other lesions arising in the lung, pleura, or extrapleural space may produce unilateral or bilateral apical caps. These include: (1) inflammatory: tuberculosis and extrapleural abscesses extending from the neck; (2) post radiation fibrosis after mantle therapy for Hodgkin disease or supraclavicular radiation in the treatment of breast carcinoma; (3) neoplasm: lymphoma extending from the neck or mediastinum, superior sulcus bronchogenic carcinoma, and metastases; (4) traumatic: extrapleural dissection of blood from a ruptured aorta, fractures of the ribs or spine, or hemorrhage due to subclavian line placement; (5) vascular: coarctation of the aorta with dilated collaterals over the apex, fistula between the subclavian artery and vein; and (6) miscellaneous: mediastinal lipomatosis with subcostal fat extending over the apices.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aging
  • Arteriovenous Malformations / diagnostic imaging
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Mediastinal Diseases / therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Radiation Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiography
  • Thoracic Injuries / diagnostic imaging