Magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of lung cancer

MRI is used most efficaciously in the evaluation of patients with bronchogenic carcinoma when employed as a tailored examination designed to answer specific questions relevant to patient management. CT continues to be used more generally in staging lung cancer when imaging beyond conventional chest radiography is required. Specific areas in which MRI can provide important and unique information (which may supplement a CT study) include the following: (1) evaluation of the local extent of superior sulcus tumors, and (2) distinction between stage IIIA (resectable) and stage IIIB (unresectable) tumors. Confirmation of tumor invasion of major mediastinal structures is necessary before depriving a patient of potential curative resection. MRI may contribute important information when CT findings are indefinite, particularly with regard to invasion of major cardiovascular structures (eg, superior vena cava, pulmonary artery, pericardium, and heart); invasion of the tracheal carina or bilateral involvement of main bronchi; and the presence of contralateral mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy. MRI should be considered as a primary imaging modality to evaluate central tumors in patients for whom intravenous contrast agents are contraindicated, and as a problem-solving modality when CT is inconclusive in the detection of a possible hilar or mediastinal mass. Other specific applications of MRI include the identification of tumor recurrence in the presence of radiation fibrosis, assessment of the extent of chest wall invasion of peripheral lung tumors, and the noninvasive characterization of adrenal masses. The scope of these MRI applications in patients with lung cancer may expand in the future with refinements in motion suppression techniques, implementation of ultrafast MRI (using variations of the echoplanar method), and further development of MRI spectroscopy and MRI contrast agents.     

US guidance for thoracic biopsy: a valuable alternative to CT

PURPOSE: To determine the role, accuracy, and selection criteria of ultrasonographic (US) guidance for biopsy for thoracic lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Imaging-guided thoracic biopsies (n = 86) were performed in 84 consecutive patients. US guidance was used for lesions abutting the chest wall; computed tomographic (CT) guidance was used for all masses surrounded by aerated lung. Mass location and size, guidance modality, histologic results, procedure time, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-four lesions (19 parenchymal, six pleural, six chest wall, three mediastinal) were amenable to US-guided biopsy. The mean mass diameter was 4.3 cm, the mean number of passes was 3.2, and the mean procedure time was 31.4 minutes. A histologic diagnosis was achieved in 31 (91%) patients, including all with small (< 2-cm) masses (n = 9). There was one case of pneumothorax. CT guidance was used in 52 (60%) of 86 cases. Lesions were parenchymal (n = 41), pleural (n = 1), and mediastinal and hilar (n = 10). The mean diameter was 2.9 cm, the mean number of passes was 2.3, and the mean procedure time was 45.2 minutes. A histologic diagnosis was achieved in 37 (71%) patients, including 18 of 27 with a small mass. Complications included pneumothorax (n = 21) and parenchymal hemorrhage (n = 2). CONCLUSION: US is an effective and safe alternative to CT for guidance at biopsy of masses abutting the chest wall. Real-time US visualization allows accurate needle placement, shorter procedure time, and performance in debilitated and less cooperative patients.     

Lung cancer staging: the role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Because complete resection remains the only reliable method of cure of lung cancer, one important aim of preoperative staging is to select patients with localised disease who may benefit from surgery, while avoiding unnecessary thoracotomies in patients with unresectable neoplasm. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest is a valuable method for staging local and regional spread of lung neoplasms, although limitations in its accuracy are well-known. While gross invasion of the mediastinum and major structures as well as the presence of metastatic disease can be easily demonstrated with CT, differentiation between tumour contiguity and subtle invasion of mediastinum or chest wall often remains a problem. Although magnetic resonance imagaing (MRI) may have the same limitations as CT, in specific situations it may b superior in diagnosing minimal chest wall or mediastinal invasion. Moreover, MRI is useful in the assessment of patients with superior sulcus tumours as well as in patients with contraindication to intravenous administration of ionic contrast material. Since nodal size is the only useful criterion for evaluating lymph node metastases, CT and MRI show similar, poor accuracies in lymph node staging reesulting from both low sensitivity (normal-sized nodes may contain microscopic metastases) and low specificity (enlarged lymph nodes may be reactive). For this reason, if enlarged lymph nodes are detected, further evaluation is recommended before excluding the patient from a potentially curative resection. Advantages and limitations of CT and MRI in the preoperative staging of non-small-cell carcinoma are reviewed in this article. The imaging of small-cell carcinoma is not included because most patients with this cell type do not benefit from surgical resection. Similarly we do not discuss imaging of distant metastases.     

Chest wall invasion by lung cancer: limitations of CT evaluation

Thirty-three patients with peripheral pulmonary malignancies contiguous with a pleural surface were evaluated for chest wall invasion by computed tomography (CT). CT criteria included pleural thickening adjacent to the tumor, encroachment on or increased density of the extrapleural fat, asymmetry of the extrapleural soft tissues adjacent to the tumor, apparent mass invading the chest wall, and rib destruction. The CT scans were classified as positive, negative, or equivocal for invasion, and a decision matrix was constructed comparing CT results with pathologic data. The sensitivity of CT was 38%, specificity was 40%, and accuracy was 39% for evaluation of invasion if equivocal CT results were counted as radiologic errors. CT scanning has low accuracy in assessing chest wall invasion in patients with peripheral lung cancers.     

Volume-expanding complications after pneumonectomy: comparison of CT findings

The purpose of this study was to assess and characterize the computed tomographic (CT) findings of various volume-expanding complications occurring in the postpneumonectomy space. Chest CT scans, obtained in 17 patients in whom plain chest radiographs had revealed shift of the mediastinum away from the surgical side after pneumonectomy for lung cancer, were retrospectively reviewed. Recurrent neoplasm (n=6) appeared as soft-tissue mass projecting into the postpneumonectomy space and/or enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Empyema (n=4) was manifested by smooth thickening of the residual pleura with or without thickening of the extrapleural tissues. Hemothorax (n=4) was characterized by amorphous material of high attenuation contained within the postpneumonectomy space. Chylothorax (n=2) presented no abnormal finding except for expansion of the postpneumonectomy space. The remaining one case showed only expansion of the postpneumonectomy space and it was normalized without any treatment, which was supposed to be transient pleural fluid collection of uncertain cause. When mediastinal shift away from the surgical side occurs on plain chest radiography following pneumonectomy, CT can be helpful in differentiating various volume-expanding complications providing characteristic features.     

MR imaging in the assessment of lung cancer patients: primary lung cancer staging, evaluation of therapeutic effect and diagnosis of recurrent tumor

Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were compared in a prospective study of 137 lung cancer patients proved by surgery or autopsy for determining the staging, evaluation of therapeutic effect and diagnosis of recurrent tumor. 1. Lung cancer staging In peripheral lung cancer, T1 and T2 relaxation times of the tumors before operation have some correlation with those of operated specimens. These relaxation times, however, are of limited nodule characterization. Hilar mass and adjacent pulmonary consolidation (obstructive pneumonia or collapse) can be distinguished on T2-weighted image (77%) and Gd-DTPA enhanced image (80%). Therefore these images help in distinguishing tumor from peripheral lung disease. In the diagnosis of tumor invasion to the heart and great vessels, MRI is superior to CT because MRI can be helpful in distinguishing true mass from heart and great vessels. As for the chest wall, MRI is more useful than CT in detecting tumor invasion especially to the thoracic inlet and superior regions. In the diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy, MRI is equivalent or slightly inferior to CT, but MRI can easily demonstrate the lymphadenopathy at subcarinal region on coronal image. 2. Evaluation of therapeutic effect in lung cancer patients treated by radiation and chemotherapy MRI patterns of therapeutic effect was divided into 3 types. It is suggested that there is some correlation between these patterns and histologic types. MRI can easily demonstrate necrotic area on T2-weighted and Gd-DTPA enhanced images. 3. Diagnosis of recurrent tumor in treated lung cancer Concerning detecting recurrent tumor after surgery or irradiation, and delineating tumor from radiation pneumonitis, T2-weighted and Gd-DTPA enhanced images are of clinical value.     

MR imaging of the chest: Mediastinum and chest wall

This review presents the options and limitations of MRI in non-vascular diseases of the mediastinum and the chest wall. In numerous thoracic pathologies, MRI is a useful supplement to spiral CT. This imaging procedure also allows a contrast-media-free differentiation of solid tumors and vascular lesions (e. g., aortic aneurysms). The advantages of MRI over CT are particularly useful when multiplanar tumor imaging is required prior to surgery to establish the exact spatial relationship between tumor and the other mediastinal structures. Primary indications for MRI in diseases of the mediastinum and chest wall are therefore: (a) tumors of the posterior mediastinum for determining their position in relation to the neural foramina and the spinal canal; (b) chest wall tumors; (c) preoperative multiplanar imaging of primary mediastinal tumors; and (d) contraindications against CT exams with iodine contrast media.     

侵袭性胸腺瘤的CT诊断及评价

目的分析侵袭性胸腺瘤的ＣＴ表现以便于分期和计划治疗。材料与方法分析２６例手术及病理证实的侵袭性胸腺瘤的ＣＴ所见，着重观察病变的密度，对周围纵隔结构的侵犯、胸膜种植以及纵隔外转移情况。结果２６例侵袭性胸腺瘤ＣＴ均显示为前纵隔软组织肿块，１６例密度不均，肿块不规则侵犯邻近器官２４例，主要表现在纵隔胸膜受侵７例，肺受侵９例，胸膜种植３例，心血管结构受侵２０例，以及心膈角区和腹腔受侵３例。结论ＣＴ在显示胸膜、心包和肺实质侵犯方面极其有效，对病变范围可进行可靠的评价，常规ＣＴ扫描可进行准确的分期和决定治疗方案。     

Roentgenologic diagnosis of primary corticotropin-producing carcinoid tumors of the mediastinum

A study was undertaken of five patients with Cushing syndrome due to adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) production by thymic carcinoid tumor (primary mediastinal APUDomas), including two recent patients examined by computed tomography (CT) of the chest. Plain roentgenography of the chest initially failed to detect tumor in four of the five patients, while CT of the chest yielded definitive diagnostic information in both patients in whom it was employed. For one of these patients, a mediastinal tumor could be seen retrospectively on plain roentgenograms of the chest, although it had been missed on the first examination. One of the tumors appeared to be partially calcified on CT scan, a finding not previously reported. Blastic osseous metastasis, which is common when malignant carcinoid tumors spread to bone, was seen in one patient. Our data suggest that in patients with suspected ectopic ACTH production, CT scanning of the mediastinum should be performed early in order to avoid delay in diagnosis of an ACTH-secreting carcinoid tumor of the mediastinum.     

Indeterminate mediastinal invasion in bronchogenic carcinoma: CT evaluation

The computed tomographic (CT) scans of 80 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma classified as indeterminate for direct mediastinal invasion were retrospectively reviewed after the patients had undergone thoracotomy. Forty-eight (60%) of the masses were resectable, without invasion of the mediastinum, 18 (22%) focally invaded the mediastinum but were technically resectable, and 14 (18%) invaded the mediastinum and were not technically resectable. Although in most circumstances in this relatively small subset of patients CT was not helpful in differentiating masses with and without mediastinal invasion, CT was able to separate a large group of masses that were likely to be technically resectable. Thirty-six (97%) of 37 masses with one or more of these CT findings were considered technically resectable: contact of 3 cm or less with mediastinum, less than 90 degrees of contact with aorta, and mediastinal fat between mass and mediastinal structures. Of these 36 masses, 28 were resectable without mediastinal invasion, and eight were resectable with focal limited mediastinal invasion.     

Computed tomography and mediastinoscopy in the assessment of resectability of lung cancer

In order to assess the potential of computed tomography (CT) of the mediastinum and mediastinoscopy in the staging of lung cancer, 125 patients were examined. Of these, 104 underwent thoracotomy, at which there was no evidence of mediastinal tumour involvement in 79 while 25 patients had signs of tumour spread. The sensitivity and specificity of CT were 87.0 per cent and 95.8 per cent, respectively, in the detection of direct tumour extension with a mediastinal mass. When lymph node enlargement was the sole finding, CT did not provide any differentiation between benign and malignant lymphadenopathy. The mediastinal involvement was inaccessible on mediastinoscopy in 18 cases (72%). Despite the surperior sensitivity of CT it was often difficult to determine whether direct tumour infiltration of mediastinal structures had occurred. It was concluded that CT is necessary for screening the entire mediastinum and, when it reveals no evidence of mediastinal tumour spread, mediastinoscopy will yield no further information. Mediastinoscopy will help to correctly identify accessible mediastinal lymph node involvement of the superior mediastinum and to define the mediastinal tumour invasion in doubtful cases.     

Percutaneous biopsy of thoracic lesions: value of sonography for needle guidance

Fluoroscopy and CT are widely used to guide percutaneous needle biopsy of thoracic lesions. However, some lesions are not sufficiently visible on fluoroscopy and others are dangerous to access on CT without real-time monitoring. When these are the circumstances, sonographic guidance may be helpful. Real-time sonography was used to guide percutaneous needle biopsy in 124 patients with thoracic lesions. The indications for sonographic guidance included pulmonary, pleural, or mediastinal lesions in contact with the chest wall, including lesions near the heart or great vessels (n = 12); lesions in the apical region (n = 5); lesions in a juxtadiaphragmatic location (n = 6); small lung nodules adjacent to the chest wall (n = 16); and peripheral tumors with adjacent pleural effusion (n = 4). A diagnosis was made in 74 (90%) of 82 malignant lesions and in 24 (67%) of 36 benign lesions. Complications included pneumothorax (n = 5), hemoptysis (n = 1), and hemothorax (n = 1). The advantages of sonographic guidance are that the sonographic equipment is mobile and real-time monitoring makes the procedure safer. Its limitations are that it cannot be used when aerated lung or free air (pneumothorax) lies between the chest wall and the lesion and that cavitary lesions are difficult to sample by biopsy. Our results show that the use of sonographic guidance considerably expands the number of thoracic lesions amenable to percutaneous biopsy.     

Multislice computed tomography in staging lung cancer: the role of multiplanar image reconstruction

OBJECTIVE: The role of multiplanar image reconstruction (MPR) in staging lung cancer was investigated using multislice helical computed tomography (CT), which allows high-quality volumetric imaging. METHODS: Forty-one consecutive patients with lung cancer (mean age = 71 years) underwent multislice CT of the thorax. The scans were acquired using contiguous 4-mm x 2.5-mm slices from the lung apex to the diaphragm in a single breath hold after injection of 100 mL intravenous contrast media. Contiguous axial, coronal, and sagittal images (5-mm slice thickness) were reconstructed in the lung and mediastinal windows. The axial images with and without multiplanar reformatted images were reviewed on a workstation on 2 separate occasions (a minimum of 6 weeks apart) by 2 experienced chest radiologists. The films were assessed for features relating to the primary lesion (size; location; and invasion of the chest wall, mediastinum, diaphragm, and/or fissures) and secondary features (mediastinal lymphadenopathy and lung metastases). The diagnostic confidence of each feature was expressed on a 4-point scale. RESULTS: A significant increase in confidence was seen on the part of both observers when diagnosing features relating to the primary lesion. The mean confidence score increased from 1.68 to 2.08 (P = 0.038) for observer A and from 1.50 to 1.80 (P = 0.020) for observer B. Confidence in assessing invasion of fissures was increased from 1.70 to 2.30 (P = 0.022) for observer A and from 1.67 to 2.27 (P = 0.006) for observer B. Improvement in interobserver agreement (kappa-value from 0.61 to 0.75) was observed with multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) in the assessment of tumor location. No statistical difference was demonstrated in the diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathy or lung secondaries. CONCLUSION: Multiplanar imaging of the thorax is a useful supplementary tool in the staging of lung cancer, particularly in delineating the relation of the primary lesion to fissures and the diaphragm.     

Evaluation of the role of chest computed tomography in the management of trauma patients

The role of chest computed tomography (CT) in the management of trauma patients is evolving. The present study reviews the chest radiographic and chest CT findings in a group of trauma patients to determine the clinical impact of findings noted exclusively on chest CT.Fifty-five trauma patients examined with chest radiography and chest CT and whose clinical charts were available for review were retrospectively identified. There were 46 men and 9 women, with a mean age of 39 years. The presence (and size) of pneumothorax, hemothorax, pulmonary contusion, and fractures was tabulated for the chest radiographs and CT scans. The presence of mediastinal widening on chest radiographs and all mediastinal findings on CT were noted. The results of aortography, when applicable, were correlated. The clinical charts were reviewed to assess the impact of CT findings on patient management.Pneumothorax (P<0.05), hemothorax (P<0.05), pulmonary contusions, and fractures were noted more frequently on chest CT than on chest radiography. However, clinical management was affected in only three (5%) of these patients. Chest CT findings related to the mediastinum affected patient management in 13 (24%) patients. CT obviated the need for aortography in 7 of 10 patients with mediastinal widening on chest radiographs. Six other patients had aortography, four for mediastinal hematoma with a normal-appearing aorta on contrast medium-enhanced CT, and two for mediastinal hematoma and aortic injury on CT.Despite detection of significantly more pneumothoraces and hemothoraces on chest CT, clinical management was affected in only a small minority (5%) of cases. CT did prove useful in evaluating the mediastinum, obviating the need for aortography in 7 of 10 patients with a widened mediastinum on chest radiography and accurately diagnosing the presence and site of aortic injury in the two patients with that diagnosis.     

Protection of the mediastinum and chest wall with an artificial pneumothorax during lung ablations

The objective in creating an artificial pneumothorax during lung ablation is to develop a working space in the thorax sufficient to displace the target lung lesion from adjacent vulnerable mediastinal or chest wall structures. Attempts to induce a protective pneumothorax with the use of spring-loaded needles were successful in four of six patients, permitting development of safe "windows" for ablation. These pneumothoraces were induced by the introduction of a needle with a spring-loaded, blunt-tipped obturator into the pleural space, followed by injection of room air. Pleural adhesions related to previous interventions may interfere with creation of a pneumothorax. Use of this technique could extend the utility of ablative therapies for lesions adjacent to the mediastinum and chest wall.     

新生儿气胸并纵隔积气的X线诊断

目的 分析新生儿气胸并纵隔积气的X线表现及特点,提高其诊断水平.方法 47例患者均摄有仰卧前后位胸腹联合片,20例同时摄有仰卧水平侧位片,1例行胸部CT检查,45例有一次或多次随访.结果 47例新生儿气胸中,胸腔前缘积气20例,肋膈角区积气1 5例,纵隔旁积气12例,同时伴有纵隔内积气11例.新生儿多采用仰卧位及卧水平侧位摄片,其气胸和纵隔积气的X线表现与年长儿、成人立位摄片时表现不同,气体多聚集在胸腔前部、肋膈角区及前纵隔旁,X线多表现为一侧胸腔密度降低,中内带明显,同时可见压缩肺边缘,肋膈角异常锐利变深,纵隔心影旁或膈顶部异常清晰锐利;纵隔积气表现胸腺上抬,远离心底部,称为“胸腺帆征”,胸腺边缘清晰,见“八”字征.结论 根据新生儿气胸的X线表现特点,X线可明确新生儿气胸、纵隔积气的诊断.     

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。     

The value of thoracic computed tomography in the detection of recurrent Hodgkin's disease

Fifty chest radiographs and concurrent thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans obtained in a total of 44 patients with 50 separate episodes of suspected recurrent Hodgkin's disease were reviewed. Recurrent disease was present in 18 episodes, involving the mediastinum in 12, the lung parenchyma in five and both mediastinum and lung parenchyma in one. In four episodes, mediastinal recurrence was demonstrated on both the chest radiograph and CT scan. In a further two cases, the chest radiograph appeared normal but CT detected recurrence in the mediastinum. In 20 cases, the mediastinal appearances on chest radiography were suspicious but not diagnostic of recurrence, usually because of previous radiotherapy resulting in residual mediastinal widening. Computed tomography diagnosed recurrent disease which was subsequently proven in seven of these cases. Recurrent disease was suggested by CT in a further case, subsequently shown to be radiation fibrosis. Of the 12 remaining chest radiographs in which the mediastinal assessment was indeterminate, CT was true negative for recurrent disease in 10 cases and was also indeterminate in two. Recurrent disease in the lung parenchyma was demonstrated on the chest radiograph and CT scan on five occasions. There was one incident in which the chest radiograph was normal but CT detected recurrent parenchymal disease. The appearances of the lung parenchyma were indeterminate for recurrent disease on three chest radiographs but CT was helpful in only one case in which radiation change alone was diagnosed. In eight cases the diagnosis of recurrent disease by CT resulted in a decision to initiate treatment. Computed tomography is of value in detecting relapse in patients with suspected recurrent Hodgkin's disease when the chest radiograph is inconclusive, and may enable differentiation of radiation change from recurrent disease in the mediastinum.     

Utility of CT in detecting postpneumonectomy carcinoma recurrence

After pneumonectomy for bronchogenic carcinoma, detection of recurrent disease in the ipsilateral hemithorax or mediastinum is often difficult. The authors discuss the utility of CT in the evaluation of 18 postpneumonectomy patients who had developed new clinical symptoms. In six patients without documented tumor recurrence, CT demonstrated a normal postpneumonectomy appearance. In the other 12, CT confirmed the clinical impression of recurrent neoplasm (10 prospectively, two retrospectively), which appeared either as enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes or as a soft-tissue mass projecting into the normal near-water-density postpneumonectomy space. In only five of these patients were plain chest radiographs suggestive of recurrence (two prospectively, three retrospectively). The accurate assessment of the presence and extent of recurrent neoplasm by CT was important in planning radiotherapy in eight patients.     

CT引导下经皮穿刺适形冷冻消融治疗肺癌的临床分析

目的 探讨CT引导监测,经皮穿刺适形冷冻治疗肺癌的安全性、疗效和可行性.方法 研究对象为肺癌患者,纳入标准:(1)肺功能差、年龄大不能耐受开胸者;(2)周围型肺癌累及胸膜及胸壁肿瘤而无法彻底切除者;(3)肺癌通过临床综合治疗病灶缩小稳定,但不能消失者;(4)局限性肺癌,有手术切除适应证,但患者拒绝手术治疗者.排除标准:(1)双侧或单侧多发病灶患者;(2)肿块靠近纵隔大血管,预计穿刺途径不可避免地会伤及大血管者;(3)严重肺功能低下,肺最大通气容积<39%;(4)重度咳嗽,反复出现呼吸困难,不能配合治疗者;(5)肿瘤晚期、明显恶病质及出血倾向者.根据以上标准入选66例共76个病灶进行了冷冻消融,病灶最大径为1.5～16.0 cm,全部病灶按照肿瘤体积行17 G冷冻探针穿刺适形冷冻.肿瘤最大径<3.0 cm者采取双针"夹击"冷冻;肿瘤直径3.0～5.0 cm者采取多针穿刺适形冷冻;肿瘤最大径>5.0 cm者采取瘤内穿刺适形布针,针距<1.5 cm.患者术后随访6个月至2年.疗效评价采用CT增强扫描,观察病灶大小及强化情况.结果 本组18例肿瘤最大径<3.0 cm,术中CT复查显示冷冻范围超过病灶边缘1.0 cm以上,病灶局部密度减低,紧邻病灶周围可见窄带状透亮环绕,其外围肺组织密度增高,呈磨玻璃样环绕病灶形成靶征;术后1、3个月复查显示,病灶及邻近肺组织无强化;6个月后复查,扫描局部可见纤维条索影;7例随访时间达2年,其中5例肿瘤无复发和转移,1例术后1年发现纵隔淋巴结肿大,1例出现肿瘤骨转移.22例肿瘤最大径在3.0～5.0 cm之间,术后即刻CT复查显示,冷冻冰球覆盖全部病灶,病灶边缘的分叶和毛刺等恶性肿瘤征象消失,病灶体积轻度增大;术后1、3个月复查实性病灶逐渐缩小;9例患者随访达2年,其中4例肿瘤无复发,3例肿瘤稳定,2例出现其他部位转移.26例肿瘤最大径>5.0 cm,术中复查,冰球覆盖病灶体积70%～90%,周围肺组织无冷冻损伤改变.26例患者术后进行了放、化疗等综合治疗,随访6个月,9例病灶体积缩小,11例病灶稳定,6例病灶进展伴身体其他部位转移.本组患者术中3例出现咳血;术后26例痰中带血丝,19例出现气胸,其中5例行胸腔闭式引流,气体完全吸收,拔管时间平均为5 d.结论 CT引导监测,经皮穿刺适形冷冻治疗肺癌疗效肯定,是一种可行的微创方法.