Fibrothorax is defined as fibrosis within the pleural space (usually when encompassing and restricting) and is sometimes referred to as pleural peel. It occurs secondary to an inflammatory response to one of the following events:
tuberculosis / tuberculous pleuritis / tuberculous empyema: mainly as a late sequela 3
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connective tissue disease
uremia
drug reactions
therapeutic pleurodesis
Radiographic features
Fibrothorax is characterized by relatively smooth pleural thickening (hence peel) that may be calcified. The mediastinal pleura is usually spared, and commonly there is marked volume loss of the affected hemithorax.
Treatment and prognosis
Treatment options can range from conservative to surgical intervention with pleural decortication considered in selected cases 5.