Objective To investigate the CT and FDG-PET/CT characteristics and the diagnostic value in the thoracic solitary fibrous tumor(SFT). Methods CT and FDGPET/CT features of thoracic SFTs confirmed by pathology in 38 cases with complete clinical data were analyzed retrospectively in comparision with the histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. Results All the 38 cases showed the thoracic single mass on CT and PET/CT images. Among them, 20 located in the pleura, 13 located in the lung, 2 located in the chest wall and 3 in the mediastinum. The maximal diameter of the tumors ranged from 1.6 to16.6 cm and the average tumor size was 5.5 cm. On plain CT scan, 26 SFTs showed inhomogeneous density, among which necrosis and cystic area were observed in 13 cases, hemorrhagic foci were detected in 4 cases and calcification were seen in 6 cases. On enhanced CT scan, 38 cases showed different degrees of enhancement. There were 7 cases scanned by PET/CT, and 6 cases were positive on PET imaging. The maximal SUV value was 4.7. Conclusion CT can clearly show the size, density, edge and invision to the surrounding tissues, with mostly increased FDG uptake on PET/CT. SUVmax is helpful in differentiating benign and malignant thoracic SFTs.