[Improved radiographic diagnosis of expanding lesions of the thoracic wall by computer tomography (author's transl)].

The findings of conventional radiography were compared with the results of computer tomography in 91 patients with histologically confirmed lesions of the thoracic wall. In 22 (24%) CT gave no additional information. In 67 (74%), CT supplied additional information or narrowed the differential diagnosis. Particularly important on computer tomography was the enhancement brought about by intravenous contrast medium in malignant tumours of the thorax or thoracic wall. CT should be used in preference to conventional tomography in the investigation of lesions of the thoracic wall.