Apical pleural thickening refers to pleural thickening of the apical portion of the lungs 12. The apical portion, or apices, of the lung is the rounded top portion of the lung.

Features

The lungs are covered by two thin layers of tissue. These layers are known as the pleura. The pleura may become hardened and lose it elasticity due to infection or by some other disease process such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Significance

When the pleural layers become hardened it becomes increasingly difficult to breathe due to restricting the lungs ability to expand during inhalation.

Symptoms

Symptoms of apical pleural thickening are similar to other respiratory disease processes. They include shortness of breath, chest pain and difficulty breathing during exercise.

Causes

There are many causes for apical pleural thickening as it is a result of any inflammation in the lungs. Some causes included; bacterial pneumonia, chemotherapy, infection and lupus. Lupus is a key factor as it causes inflammation to so many body tissues.

Treatment

Treatment for apical pleural thickening can only be treated surgically as the hardened areas of the lungs are scar tissue and will need to be removed. Thus relieving the pressure off the lungs allowing them to expand freely.