Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in AIDS: high-resolution CT findings in five patients

The aim of this study was to describe the high-resolution CT scan findings in five patients with AIDS and pulmonary infection due to Rhodococcus equi. The study included five patients with AIDS and proven R. equi infection. The CT scans were reviewed by two observers. The patients included four men and one woman ranging from 39 years to 49 years in age (mean 42 years). The findings included areas of consolidation (n=5) with single (n=1) or multiple cavitation (n=4), ground-glass opacities (n=5), centrilobular nodules (n=3), small centrilobular nodular opacities (n=3) and "tree in bud" opacities (n=3). None of the patients had pleural effusion or lymph node enlargement. The most common high-resolution CT manifestations of R. equi infection consist of areas of consolidation with cavitation, ground-glass opacities, nodules and a tree-in-bud pattern.     

Lung cancer in patients seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus

The authors describe the clinical and radiographic findings of lung carcinoma in six patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These patients were in a younger age group than is commonly associated with lung cancer. The radiographic findings included mediastinal adenopathy (n = 5), hilar masses with distal atelectasis (n = 3), parenchymal masses (n = 3), pleural effusions (n = 2), and pleural thickening (n = 1). Recognition of any of these findings should raise the diagnostic possibility of lung cancer in this group of younger patients.     

螺旋CT诊断胸膜斑的临床价值

目的：研究胸膜斑的螺旋CT表现,提高诊断和鉴别诊断水平。材料和方法：回顾性分析与石棉粉尘密切接触的42例胸膜斑的螺旋CT表现。结果：42例中,螺旋CT发现胸膜斑407个,其中透明型/非钙化型胸膜斑250个、钙化型胸膜斑36个和混合型胸膜斑121个;单侧10例、双侧32例;单发胸膜斑5例,多发胸膜斑37例;最大胸膜斑长4.2cm,厚1.2cm;胸膜斑的形状多种多样;钙化型和混合型胸膜斑内可见不同形态的钙化;胸膜斑多位于中、下胸部前或后外侧胸壁,肋骨下方28例（66.7%）,侵犯双侧膈顶10例,心包4例,合并肺纤维化4例,6例增强扫描胸膜斑未见增强;肺尖和肋膈角不受累。正确诊断42例,正确诊断率100%。结论：螺旋CT能清晰地显示胸膜斑的部位、分布、范围、形态、大小、密度及其毗邻关系,结合石棉粉尘接触史,能与其他胸膜增厚病变鉴别,明确诊断。对胸膜斑/石棉肺,螺旋CT是最佳的影像学检查方法。     

Clinical and CT imaging features of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma

Purpose

This study was undertaken to analyse the clinical characteristics and computed tomography (CT) imaging features of patients with pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma and to clarify characteristic imaging features.

Materials and methods

Clinical and CT imaging records of ten patients with pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (three women and seven men; mean age, 58 years) examined using multidetector CT scanners were retrospectively studied. CT features emphasised included lesion location, size, shape, margin, solid or cystic component, density and enhancement. Imaging results were correlated with intraoperative surgical and pathological results.

Results

Lesions were distributed throughout the pancreatic head (n=3), body (n=3), tail (n=2) and both body and tail (n=2). The average diameter was 6.1 cm, varying from 2.3 cm to 15.8 cm. The tumours were round or oval (n=7) or lobular (n=3). Seven tumours appeared as enhanced solid pancreatic masses, with the large masses having hypodense areas; three had >75 % cystic component; seven (70%), including four solid and three cystic masses, had wellcircumscribed or partially well-defined thin, enhanced encapsulation. After contrast injection, the masses presented heterogeneous enhancement.

Conclusions

Acinar cell carcinoma should always be considered when a large pancreatic mass with typical imaging is found in solid masses with variably sized central cystic areas or cystic masses.     

CT Characteristics of Pleural Plaques Related to Occupational or Environmental Asbestos Exposure from South Korean Asbestos Mines

Objective

This study evaluated the CT characteristics of pleural plaques in asbestos-exposed individuals and compared occupational versus environmental exposure groups.

Materials and Methods

This study enrolled 181 subjects with occupational exposure and 98 with environmental exposure from chrysotile asbestos mines, who had pleural plaques confirmed by a chest CT. The CT scans were analyzed for morphological characteristics, the number and distribution of pleural plaques and combined pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, the CT findings were compared between the occupational and environmental exposure groups.

Results

Concerning the 279 subjects, the pleural plaques were single in 2.2% and unilateral in 3.6%, and showed variable widths (range, 1-20 mm; mean, 5.4 ± 2.7 mm) and lengths (5-310 mm; 72.6 ± 54.8 mm). The chest wall was the most commonly involved (98.6%), with an upper predominance on the ventral side (upper, 77.8% vs. lower, 55.9%, p < 0.001) and a lower predominance on the dorsal side (upper, 74.9% vs. lower, 91.8%, p = 0.02). Diaphragmatic involvement (78.1%) showed a right-side predominance (right, 73.8% vs. left, 55.6%, p < 0.001), whereas mediastinal plaques (42.7%) were more frequent on the left (right, 17.6% vs. left, 39.4%, p < 0.001). The extent and maximum length of plaques, and presence and severity of combined asbestosis, were significantly higher in the occupational exposure group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Pleural plaques in asbestos-exposed individuals are variable in number and size; and show a predominant distribution in the upper ventral and lower dorsal chest walls, right diaphragm, and left mediastinum. Asbestos mine workers have a higher extent of plaques and pulmonary fibrosis versus environmentally exposed individuals.     

Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in Children: Chest Radiographic and CT Evaluation

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chest radiographic and CT findings of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in children, the population that is more vulnerable to respiratory infection than adults.

Materials and Methods

The study population comprised 410 children who were diagnosed with an H1N1 infection from August 24, 2009 to November 11, 2009 and underwent chest radiography at Dankook University Hospital in Korea. Six of these patients also underwent chest CT. The initial chest radiographs were classified as normal or abnormal. The abnormal chest radiographs and high resolution CT scans were assessed for the pattern and distribution of parenchymal lesions, and the presence of complications such as atelectasis, pleural effusion, and pneumomediastinum.

Results

The initial chest radiograph was normal in 384 of 410 (94%) patients and abnormal in 26 of 410 (6%) patients. Parenchymal abnormalities seen on the initial chest radiographs included prominent peribronchial marking (25 of 26, 96%), consolidation (22 of 26, 85%), and ground-glass opacities without consolidation (2 of 26, 8%). The involvement was usually bilateral (19 of 26, 73%) with the lower lung zone predominance (22 of 26, 85%). Atelectasis was observed in 12 (46%) and pleural effusion in 11 (42%) patients. CT (n = 6) scans showed peribronchovascular interstitial thickening (n = 6), ground-glass opacities (n = 5), centrilobular nodules (n = 4), consolidation (n = 3), mediastinal lymph node enlargement (n = 5), pleural effusion (n = 3), and pneumomediastinum (n = 3).

Conclusion

Abnormal chest radiographs were uncommon in children with a swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV) infection. In children, H1N1 virus infection can be included in the differential diagnosis, when chest radiographs and CT scans show prominent peribronchial markings and ill-defined patchy consolidation with mediastinal lymph node enlargement, pleural effusion and pneumomediastinum.     

支气管内膜结核的CT诊断

目的:探讨支气管内膜结核的CT表现,以提高对该病CT诊断水平。方法:回顾性分析经纤支镜活检证实的19例支气管内膜结核的CT表现。结果:19例累及主支气管或肺叶支气管20处,累及气管1处,均有不同程度狭窄及管壁增厚,无肿块及反S征;伴肺叶或肺段不张13例,其中不张或实变区可见钙化9例,支气管扩张3例;伴胸腔积液和胸膜增厚各2例;伴活动性肺内结核12例。结论:CT在支气管内膜结核的诊断中有重要作用。     

CT未检出原发灶的胸腔积液或肺不张患者18F-FDG显像结果分析

目的评价^18F-脱氧葡萄糖(FDG)符合线路显像(DHTC)寻找CT未能发现原发灶的胸腔积液或肺不张患者的肺癌原发灶，及其对肺癌伴有胸腔积液的患者胸腔积液良恶性鉴别诊断的价值。方法110例CT未发现肺部原发病灶但疑为肺癌及肺癌转移可能的胸腔积液或肺不张患者(其中胸腔积液8．4例，肺不张26例)，进行^18F-FDG DHTC检查。结果38例患者最终确诊为肺癌，其中伴有胸腔积液30例，伴有肺不张8例；另72例为肺部良性病变。^18F-FDG DHTC对CT未能找到原发灶的胸腔积液或肺不张患者肺癌诊断的灵敏度、特异性和准确性分别为97％、78％和85％。30例伴有胸腔积液的肺癌患者中，21例确诊为恶性胸腔积液。^18F-FDG DHTC对良恶性胸腔积液鉴别诊断的灵敏度为86％，特异性为8／9例。结论^18F-FDG DHTC是寻找胸腔积液或肺不张患者肺癌原发灶灵敏可靠的方法，并对良恶性胸腔积液的鉴别诊断有一定的临床价值。     

Pleural and parenchymal lung diseases from asbestos exposure. CT diagnosis

INTRODUCTION: We report the CT findings of parenchymal and pleural diseases in a group of patients with a history of asbestos exposure, excluding lung cancer (which is not typical in this subjects) and asbestosis (which is a parenchymal fibrosis). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a series of CT examinations (conventional, helical and high resolution scans) of 21 patients examined from 1995 to 1999. They had pleural plaques (10), round atelectasis (2) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (9). All patients had a history of direct or indirect asbestos exposure, except one with malignant pleural mesothelioma. We evaluated the following CT findings: nodular, plaque or uniform pleural thickening; pleural calcifications; pleural thickening less or greater than 1 cm; pleural margins (regular, polycyclic, spiculated); localization (uni/bilateral hemithorax); distribution (upper, medium or lower region); pulmonary, mediastinal and diaphragmatic involvement; fissural involvement; pleural effusion; lymph node enlargement; lung mass with the comet-tail sign; lung volume (normal, reduced, increased). RESULTS: Pleural plaques were always bilateral and less than 1 cm thick, with calcifications in 80% of the cases. Margins were always regular, polycyclic in 40% of the patients and never irregular. The pulmonary pleura in the mid-chest was involved in cell cases the diaphragmatic pleura in the 50% of the cases and the upper and lower regions in 60% and 80% of the patients, respectively. Round atelectasis (3 cases in 2 patients) was always shown as a parenchymal mass in the lower lobes, posteriorly or posteromedially, with adjacent pleural thickening; its diameter ranged 4.4-6 cm and there was the comet-tail sign. In malignant pleural mesothelioma we always found pleural effusion, with unilateral pleural effusion being the only sign in 2 patients. Other findings were pleural nodules (77.7%), with spiculated (22.2%) and polycyclic (77.7%) margins, more than 1 cm in diameter. The disease was always unilateral. The parenchymal pleural was involved in 77.7% of the cases while the mediastinal and diaphagmatic pleura were involved in 44.4% of the patients. Fissural involvement was demonstrated in 66.6% of the patients. Lymph nodes were enlarged in 66.6% of the cases. The volume of the affected hemithorax was increased (22.2%), decreased (44.4%) or normal (33.3%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The presence of pleural plaques is a specific sign of asbestos exposure. Round atelectasis may also indicate asbestos exposure, but it can be found in many diseases with pleural inflammation, such as tuberculous effusion, trauma, pulmonary infarct, congestive heart failure, coronary artery bypass. The CT patterns of these two diseases are typical and no other finding is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. CT-guided needle biopsy is needed only if the round atelectasis has an atypical appearance on CT images, that is without the comet-tail sign. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is strongly associated with previous occupational exposure and presents typical CT findings only in an advanced stage (irregular and nodular pleural thickening, pleural effusion, mediastinal and pulmonary contraction for tumor encasement, parenchymal and lymph node metastases), but the differential diagnosis with pleural metastatic disease can be difficult. CT plays an important role in tumor assessment but biopsy is necessary for lesion characterization.     

Pulmonary infections following bone marrow transplantation: high-resolution CT findings in 35 paediatric patients

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the high-resolution CT findings of paediatric patients who had pulmonary infections following bone marrow transplantation (BMT), and to evaluate the differential diagnosis through high-resolution CT of the various pathogens responsible for pulmonary infections after BMT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 35 consecutive patients who had documented pulmonary infection, high-resolution CT of the chest performed within 24h of the beginning of symptoms, and proven diagnosis within 1 week of the onset of symptoms. The pulmonary infections were due to viruses (n=16), bacteria (n=9), fungi (n=9), and protozoa (n=1). Two radiologists analyzed the CT scans and reached final decisions regarding the findings by consensus. RESULTS: Four patients with confirmed pneumonia had normal high-resolution CT scans. Regarding the viral infections, the most frequent features were areas of ground-glass attenuation (43.7%) and small centrilobular nodules (31.2%). Airspace consolidation (88.9%), small centrilobular nodules (22.2%) and ground-glass attenuation (22.2%) were the most frequent findings in patients with bacterial pneumonia following BMT. Large nodules were seen in 66.7% of the patients with fungal pneumonia, and in only one case of virus infection. The "halo sign" (n=5) was seen only in patients with fungal pneumonia. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the main causes of pulmonary infection in paediatric patients following BMT share similar high-resolution CT findings. Large nodules and "halo sign" are more common in patients with fungal infections.     

胸腺瘤的CT和平片分析

目的　探讨胸腺瘤的X线与CT诊断价值。方法　分析 30例经手术病理证实的胸腺瘤X线和CT表现 ,并与病理对照。结果　 18例非侵袭性胸腺瘤 ,胸片仅发现 15例 ,CT扫描 10例 ,均为前纵隔软组织肿块 ,边界清楚 ,密度均匀。 12例侵袭性胸腺瘤 ,肿瘤侵犯邻近器官 ,CT显示纵隔胸膜受侵 3例 ,心包受侵 2例 ,大血管结构受侵 2例 ,胸膜种植 3例 ,胸腔积液 2例 ,腹腔受侵和纵隔淋巴结转移各 1例 ;胸片仅能显示 1例肿瘤侵犯纵隔胸膜和 1例胸膜种植。结论　CT扫描在胸腺瘤的发现和判别侵袭性方面明显优于X线平片并且是可靠预测胸腺瘤侵袭性的检查方法。     

Computed tomography features of primary pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

AIM: To characterize computed tomography (CT) features of primary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL). METHODS: The CT films of six patients (five men, one woman; 63.2 +/- 14.5 years) with low grade non-Hodgkins PPL were evaluated for alveolar opacities (lobar consolidation, masses or nodules, and ill-defined consolidations), peribronchial disease or bronchial wall thickening, mediastinal nodes and pleural effusion. RESULTS: Multilobar bilateral, multilobar unilateral, and unilobar unilateral involvement were present in three, one and two cases respectively. CT features were: ill-defined mainly subpleural consolidations (n = 4), mass-like consolidation (n = 1), lobar consolidation (n = 1), and pleural effusion (n = 1). Minor peribronchial disease was seen in two patients, heterogeneous enhancement in four patients, and CT-angiogram sign in one patient. There were no lymphadenopathy or lung nodules. Although the pleura were inseparable from subpleural disease, pleural enhancement was noted on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient with lobar lymphoma. CONCLUSION: PPL is characterized by ill-defined alveolar opacities that are usually multifocal. Peribronchial disease, proximal bronchiectasis and positive CT-angiogram sign are ancillary features. MRI may be useful in further evaluation with respect to pleural or chest wall involvement.     

High-resolution CT findings of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma in 38 patients

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the high-resolution CT features of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma and determine the useful findings in differential diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-resolution CT scans of 38 patients with pathologically proven diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma were reviewed. Sequential CT scans were obtained in 15 patients. The high-resolution CT findings were compared with those of eosinophilic pneumonia (n = 22), multiple pulmonary metastases (n = 12), and tuberculosis (bronchogenic: n = 22; miliary: n = 12). RESULTS: High-resolution CT findings of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma included ground-glass opacity (n = 29), consolidation (n = 29), nodules (n = 28), centrilobular nodules (n = 26), peripheral distribution (n = 19), and air bronchogram (n = 18). According to the major features, high-resolution CT findings of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma could be classified into three patterns: predominantly ground-glass (n = 4), consolidative (n = 22), and multinodular (n = 12). Most patients with diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma had a mixture of these findings. The frequency of findings of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma on high-resolution CT was not different from that of tuberculosis, but the predominant distribution of the nodules and areas of ground-glass attenuation differed between the two. Difference in distribution between bronchioloalveolar carcinoma and bronchogenic tuberculosis included ground-glass opacity remote from the consolidation and a lower lung predominance. CONCLUSION: Although these high-resolution CT findings are not specific, the combination of consolidation and nodules and the coexistence of centrilobular nodules and remote areas of ground-glass attenuation are characteristic of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma.     

Pulmonary cryptococcosis: CT findings in immunocompetent patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate retrospectively the computed tomographic (CT) findings in immunocompetent patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained with a waiver of informed consent, and the study complied with requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Chest CT scans of 10 immunocompetent patients with clinically proved pulmonary cryptococcosis were retrospectively reviewed by four reviewers in consensus. Criterion for diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis was (a) the histopathologic presence of the organism at lung biopsy or (b) a positive culture of a respiratory specimen or positive serum cryptococcal antigen test with clinical or radiographic evidence of active pulmonary infection. Patients included six women and four men ranging in age from 46 to 73 years (mean, 59 years). Scans were evaluated for nodules, masses, areas of ground-glass attenuation or of hazy increased attenuation, areas of consolidation, areas of cavitation, pleural effusions, linear opacities, septal thickening, lymphadenopathy, extent of parenchymal involvement, and distribution. RESULTS: The most common CT finding was pulmonary nodules (n = 9). Multiple nodules (n = 7) were more common than solitary nodules (n = 2). Nodules most commonly occupied less than 10% of the pulmonary parenchyma (n = 7), measured less than 10 mm in diameter (n = 7), and had middle and upper lung predominance (n = 6). The majority of the nodules were well defined with smooth margins (n = 7). Multiple nodules were usually bilaterally distributed (n = 5). Masses (n = 2), lymphadenopathy (n = 2), areas of consolidation (n = 2), areas of hazy increased attenuation (n = 1), pleural effusion (n = 1), and areas of cavitation (n = 1) were uncommon. CONCLUSION: CT most commonly demonstrated pulmonary nodules in immunocompetent patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis. The nodules were most often multiple, small, well defined, and smoothly marginated with middle and upper lung predominance.     

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the tracheobronchial tree: radiographic and CT findings in 12 patients.

PURPOSE: To determine the radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings and clinical features of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the tracheobronchial tree. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chest radiographic and CT findings and clinical features of 12 histopathologically proved mucoepidermoid carcinomas in 12 consecutive patients (five male, seven female; age range, 9-72 years; mean age, 36 years) were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The tumors were located at the distal trachea (n = 1) or at a main (n = 2), lobar (n = 1), or segmental (n = 8) bronchus. On chest radiographs, the tumors appeared as central masses with post-obstructive pneumonia or peripheral atelectasis in four patients and as solitary pulmonary or endotracheobronchial nodules in eight. At CT, the tumors were all smoothly oval (n = 6) or lobulated (n = 6) in shape (ranging 9-40 mm in diameter), adapting to the branching features of the airways. Punctate calcification within the tumor was seen in six patients. Neither metastasis nor recurrence was seen after the surgical resection (follow-up of 8-103 months; mean, 30 months). CONCLUSION: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the tracheobronchial tree, usually located in a segmental bronchus, appears at CT as a smoothly oval or lobulated airway mass. It adapts to the branching features of the airways.     

腹腔结核的CT表现

目的评价CT诊断腹腔结核的价值。方法回顾性分析经手术病理或抗痨治疗确诊的腹腔结核16例CT表现,其中男8例,女8例。年龄20～66岁,平均36.4岁。结果腹腔淋巴结肿大(n=11),肠系膜肿块(n=6),腹水(n=6,多为限制性),网膜增厚(n=7),肠壁增厚(n=6),胸水(n=2),胰腺结节(n=1)。腹腔淋巴结肿大(以肠系膜、胰周淋巴结为主),主要表现为因中央干酪样坏死而呈环形或多房样强化,并有部分淋巴结钙化,且腹腔淋巴结受累程度明显重于腹膜后间隙淋巴结。结核性腹膜炎时腹水密度较高,系膜、网膜上有斑片状及结节状病灶,肠曲粘连固定。结论密切结合临床、实验室检查及CT表现,有望提高腹腔结核诊断准确性。     

Intra-abdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumors: CT findings and clinicopathological correlations in 13 cases

PURPOSE: We report computed tomography (CT) findings in 13 patients with a primary abdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 13 cases (12 men, 1 woman, mean age=24.8 years) were found in our hospital database between 1991 and 2003. Clinical, CT and histopathological features were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: Peritoneal involvement was the most common feature. In 10 cases, several lobulated peritoneal soft tissue masses (with a mean of four masses per patient) were seen. Two patients had diffused irregular peritoneal carcinomatosis without any distinct peritoneal masses. One patient had a solitary mass in the pelvic space. The main sites of peritoneal involvement were the pelvic space (n=7), omentum (n=5), retroperitoneal space (n=4), small bowel mesentery (n=3), paracolic gutter (n=2 on the right and n=1 on the left), transverse colon mesentery (n=1), peri-splenic space (n=1), peri-hepatic space (n=1). The soft tissue masses were often bulky (mean 6cm, range 1-28cm), lobulated and heterogeneous with hypodense areas (in 73% of cases). In six cases, moderate ascites was seen. In one case of pelvic involvement, unilateral hydronephrosis was seen. Adenopathies were present in seven cases at the time of the diagnosis (at intraperitoneal, retroperitoneal and pelvic sites in six patients and in the groin in one patient). Five patients had liver metastases (four lesions per case excepted one patient with 30 metastases). Associated thoracic metastases were seen in three patients. The diagnosis was confirmed with four CT-guided percutaneous biopsies. CONCLUSION: Although CT features are nonspecific, the diagnosis of desmoplastic small round cell tumor may be suspected in young men with multiple bulky heterogeneous peritoneal soft tissue masses. Imaging is useful for staging and also to guide biopsies.     

慢性肺炎性肿块CT表现与病理对照的探讨

目的：探讨肺炎性肿块的CT表现与病理类型的关系及CT在诊断中的价值。方法：回顾性分析了48例经病理组织学或细胞学证实的肺炎性假瘤(24例)、限局性机化性肺炎(18例)以及限局性化脓性肺炎(6例)的临床、CT资料。结果：24例炎性假瘤中，20例直径在2～5cm之间，多呈圆形或类圆形，80％肿块密度均匀；3例行增强扫描，1例呈均匀强化，2例周边强化，中心低密度，5例可见“桃尖征”。18例限局性机化性肺炎中，16例邻近胸膜面，病变形态不规则，13例见向心性弓形凹陷及尖角状突起，3例可见气管血管束向病灶聚拢。6例限局性化脓性肺炎均邻近胸膜面，2例见小圆形透光区，无气液平面，3例行增强扫描，1例周边强化，2例除低密度区及空洞外，实性部分呈厚壁强化，6例均未见气管血管束聚拢征象。结论：肺部炎性肿块结合临床及CT表现大多数可做出正确诊断，表现不典型者，可行CT导引下穿刺活检。     

Computed tomography in the evaluation of benign asbestos-related disorders.

High-resolution CT is more sensitive than chest radiography and conventional CT in the detection and assessment of benign asbestos-related pleural and parenchymal diseases. The HRCT features of asbestosis correlate with clinical and functional restriction. The specificity of HRCT findings of asbestosis needs further evaluation. Given its low cost and availability, chest radiography remains the mainstay of imaging in benign asbestos-related diseases. CT (conventional or high-resolution) is not recommended as a universal screening test in asbestos-exposed workers. It has a useful role in identifying and quantitating pulmonary fibrosis distinct from emphysema and pleural disease, in distinguishing pleural disease from normal extrapleural soft tissues, and in clarifying the confusing chest radiograph or conflicting pulmonary function data. CT is useful in excluding a mass that may be obscured by extensive pleural and parenchymal fibrosis and is helpful in the follow-up of benign fibrotic masses or in the direction of their biopsy.     

Pulmonary cryptococcosis: CT and pathologic findings

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to describe the CT and pathologic findings of pulmonary cryptococcosis. METHOD: CT scans of 11 patients (7 immunocompromised, 4 immunocompetent) with proven pulmonary cryptococcosis were analyzed for number, morphologic characteristics, and distribution of parenchymal abnormalities as well for presence of lymphadenopathy and pleural effusion. Pathology of lung specimens obtained by open biopsy or resection (n = 5) and transbronchial biopsy (n = 1) was reviewed by one dedicated pulmonary pathologist. RESULTS: Pulmonary nodules, either solitary or multiple, were the most common CT finding, present in 10 of 11 patients (91%); associated findings included masses (n = 4), CT halo sign (n = 3), and consolidation (n = 2). On histologic examination, focal areas of ground-glass attenuation surrounding or adjacent to nodules were found to represent airspace collections of macrophages and proteinaceous fluid. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary cryptococcosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of solitary or multiple pulmonary nodules (with or without associated CT halo sign), particularly in immunocompromised patients.