Venous hemangioma arising from the diaphragm: a case report of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings

We report a rare case of diaphragmatic hemangioma with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings. A routine chest radiograph in a 75-year-old woman revealed a nodular opacity in the right lower lung field. Multidetector-row computed tomography revealed a well-circumscribed nodule arising from the diaphragm or pleura. Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the nodule showed a pattern of gradually increasing signal intensity. On the basis of the intraoperative and histopathologic findings, venous hemangioma arising from the diaphragm was diagnosed.     

A case of bronchocentric granulomatosis associated with Aspergillus that was difficult to differentiate from lung cancer]

We encountered a case of suspected bronchocentric granulomatosis (BCG) occurring in a COPD patient. Chest CT on admission showed a nodular shadow with indentation and a notch-like opacity in right S(3)a. Based on these findings, lung cancer was suspected. As we could not establish a definitive diagnosis, video-assisted thoracic surgery was performed. The histological findings of the resected specimen demonstrated BCG with clustering of fungal hyphae in the bronchioles. As the lesion was resected completely, we did not give additional treatment with an antifungal agent. It is difficult to differentiate BCG from lung cancer preoperatively. However, considering the homogeniecity of the nodule, it may be able to differentiate this type of lesion from lung cancer based on the feature. We report a rare case of a solitary nodule caused by BCG with Aspergillosis.     

Intrapleural rupture of an pulmonary arteriovenous fistula]

We describe a case of intrapleural rupture of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula and review is such cases previously reported in Japan. A 57-year-old woman was admitted with a sudden onset of right chest pain. Chest radiograph on admission showed right pleural effusion. Thoracentesis revealed hemothorax and subsequently the patient complained of dizziness and went into shock. Chest CT scan revealed a well-defined nodule with a continuous enlarged vessel. Enhanced CT findings suggested a diagnosis of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula projecting into the intrapleural space from the right lower lung. Partial resection of the right lower lung was performed and the histological study confirmed the final diagnosis.     

A case of thoracolithiasis]

Many kinds of tumor shadows have been reported on chest X rays in recent years, some of which are difficult to diagnose. A 72-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for further tests, because of an abnormal shadow recorded on a chest X ray on a routine health examination. Chest CT scan demonstrated a round mass lesion, about 2cm in diameter, at the pleural surface of the S6 segment of the right lung. Our attempt at CT guided percutaneous lung needle biopsy failed because the needle was unable to penetrate the tumor, resulting in right pneumothorax. Later, a tumor was located in the basal part of the right lung, which was confirmed by CT scan. Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) was performed, and a white 2-cm nodule in the right pleural cavity and two grayish-white 2-3-mm nodules on the right pleural surface were removed. The cut surfaces of these nodules showed a small black core surrounded by white concentric structures. Histologically, a small quantity of coal dust and many histiocyte-like cells were found in the core, surrounded by acidophilic fibrous connective tissue. These findings were consistent with thoracolithiasis, which is a rare disorder but one that requires diagnostic differentiation from peripherally located lung tumors.     

Mycobacterium intracellulare pulmonary infection which co-existed and mimicked lung cancer

We report a case of Mycobacterium intracellulare (M. intracellulare) pulmonary infection with co-existing lung cancer and presenting as a solitary pulmonary nodule requiring differentiation from lung cancer. Computed tomography showed two nodules (20 mm) with spicula formation and pleural indentation on the right lower lobe of the lung (right S6 and S8). Transbronchial biopsies from the right S6 and S8 nodules revealed mycobacteriosis and adenocarcinoma, respectively. Thereafter, a right lower lobectomy was performed. Cases of pulmonary M. intracellulare disease with solitary nodule are rare. Moreover, M. intracellulare pulmonary infection with co-existing lung cancer is extremely rare.     

Three cases of small intrapulmonary lymph nodes coincidental with primary lung cancer]

We report three cases of intrapulmonary lymph nodes coincidental with primary lung cancers. In the first case, a 56-year-old man had a small subpleural nodule in the right lower lobe associated with adenocarcinoma of the right upper lobe. The small nodule was 10 mm in diameter and was difficult to differentiate radiologically from intrapulmonary metastasis. Wedge resection of this small nodule was performed. Histologic examination of the nodule revealed an intrapulmonary lymph node with anthracotic pigmentation. A right upper lobectomy for adenocarcinoma was performed, and was completely curative. The second patient, a 77-year-old woman, had adenocarcinoma in the right lower lobe diagnosed by transbronchial biopsy. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a small nodule 5 mm in diameter in the right upper lobe. Histologic examination of the small wedge-resected nodule revealed a lymph node. Lower lobectomy was performed with completely curative results. In the third case, a 63-year-old man was admitted for investigation of a mass shadow in the right upper lobe. CT showed a small nodular shadow in the right middle lobe, confirmed histologically to be lymphoid tissue, in addition to the original mass, which was diagnosed by transbronchial biopsy as squamous cell carcinoma. Upper lobectomy was performed and proved to be curative. Small intrapulmonary lymph nodes are very difficult to diagnose by methods other than surgical resection. When a small intrapulmonary nodule is detected in a patient with primary lung cancer, the presence of an intrapulmonary lymph node must be considered. If radiological characters compatible with an intrapulmonary lymph node are found and there is no other metastasis indicating poor prognosis, it should be considered as a possible indication for surgical resection.     

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion as the Initial Presentation in a Patient with Stage I Small-cell Lung Cancer

A 67-year-old man with a history of esophageal cancer resection was referred to our hospital because of nausea and appetite loss. Laboratory findings showed severe hyponatremia and were compatible with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a nodule measuring 13 mm in the lower lobe of the right lung. Right thoracotomy was performed, and the histopathological diagnosis was small-cell lung cancer (T1bN0M0; Stage 1b). Although SIADH is frequently associated with small-cell lung cancer, it is extremely rare as the initial clinical feature in stage I small-cell lung cancer.     

Rheumatoid nodules of the lung in a patient with palindromic rheumatism.

We report a case of rheumatoid nodules of the lung seen in a patient with palindromic rheumatism. A 54-year-old man with palindromic rheumatism was admitted for evaluation of three nodules in the right upper lobe on chest roentgenogram. Wedge resection was performed for the purpose of confirmative diagnosis and treatment. Histology of these lung lesions revealed palisaded histiocytic cells surrounding a layer of central necrosis, which were considered to be characteristic findings of rheumatoid nodule. Such a case is extremely rare. To our knowledge, only one other case has been reported before in the literature.     

Radical Resection for Second EGFR-mutated Primary Lung Cancer Following Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Monotherapy for Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma

A 78-year-old woman with multiple lung nodules, epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations, and diagnosed with advanced lung adenocarcinoma (cT4N3M1a, stage IVA), was referred to our hospital. She received immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. The therapy showed remarkable antitumor effects; only a single nodule remained in the right upper lobe. The nodule was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma through a biopsy. We subsequently performed right upper lobectomy for multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC). The surgical specimen contained EGFR exon 19 deletion mutations and not exon 20 insertion mutations.     

Multiple fibrotic lung nodules in a patient with primary Sjögren's syndrome

Evaluation of bilateral lung nodules noted on imaging poses a diagnostic challenge to clinicians as it can have many differentials from benign to malignant causes. It becomes especially critical to identify them right when there are underlying autoimmune conditions and risk factors for infection. However, a thorough investigation can lead to the recognition of rare associations as described below. We present here a 57-year-old woman who was admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath. Imaging with a computed tomography (CT) scan showed that she had 8 bilateral cystic pulmonary nodules with focal areas of ground-glass opacity and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Fibrobronchoscopy and histopathological studies were done on the right middle lobe lung nodule demonstrated that the lung nodule was fibrotic with reactive inflammation but showed no malignant cells. Upon further detailed history and chart review, it was noted that the patient had a history of dry eyes leading to an autoimmune workup showing positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-Ro, and anti-La antibodies with no follow-up since then. This lead to the suspicion that these nodules could be related to underlying Sjögren's syndrome. Initial inpatient management with intravenous steroids showed significant improvement in her symptomatology. Hence, we present this rare association of lung nodules with Sjögren's syndrome and its management for awareness of this condition.     

Subcentimeter large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung

To our knowledge, no report exists of a subcentimeter size large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the lung. A 75-year-old man participating in a low-dose CT screening program for lung cancer was found incidentally to have a partly-solid nodule in the right upper lung. After treatment with antibiotics, a repeat CT showed resolution of the nodule, but a new solid nodule measuring 9 x 9 mm was detected in the left lower lobe. The lesion showed marked enhancement on dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Video-assisted thoracic surgery and frozen section biopsy was suggestive of malignant lesion, resulting in extension of surgery to lobectomy with nodal dissection. The final diagnosis was stage IA-LCNEC. The estimated volume doubling time of the tumor was 30.1 days. These aggressive tumors may rarely have doubling times that overlap with benign processes.     

Subpleural ground glass opacities diagnosed by bronchoscopic brush cytology with manual mapping navigation: A case report

Rationale:Ground-glass opacity nodules (GGNs) are a computed tomography (CT) finding suggestive of lung cancer. Conventional bronchoscopy with brush cytology is a simple diagnostic modality but has a low diagnostic yield for peripheral lesions, especially peripheral GGNs. Therefore, maximizing the detection rate of bronchoscopic brushings should be a key objective. We report a case of a subpleural ground glass opacity (GGO) with a cytological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma by bronchoscopic brushing guided by manual mapping navigation.Patient concerns:A 46-year-old man was hospitalized for GGO in the right lung. Follow-up CT revealed a subpleural nodule sized 1.2 cm × 0.9 cm in the superior segment of the right lower lobe.Diagnoses:CT findings of the patient''s nodule were suggestive of malignancy.Interventions:The patient underwent conventional bronchoscopy combined with brushing guided by manual mapping navigation, with subsequent cytological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. The patient then underwent right lower lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection.Outcomes:There were no postoperative complications. Postoperative pathological examination showed lung adenocarcinoma with lepidic and acinar growth without visceral pleural invasion (pT1aN0M0, IA1).Lessons:Exfoliated cells present in peripheral GGNs are rarely detected on brush sampling. However, use of a manual mapping navigation system may help increase the sensitivity of conventional bronchoscopic brushing for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions.     

A case of pulmonary Mycobacterium intracellulare infectious disease with a solitary pulmonary nodule in the peripheral lung field]

A 63-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of a solitary nodule (20 x 20 mm) in the right S3 which was first detected during a health examination. Because radiological findings for the nodule, such as pleural indentation and spicula on chest CT led us to suspect a pulmonary adenocarcinoma, we could not completely rule out lung cancer and performed a bronchoscopic examination on the third day after admission. However, no definite diagnosis could be made. Therefore, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) was performed, and a caseating epitheloid granuloma with acid-fast bacilli was found. Initially, we administered antituberculous drugs for pulmonary tuberculoma, but then changed to combined chemotherapy using RFP, EB, CAM and SM after identification of Mycobacterium intracellulare by a culture test of resected tissue. We report a rare case with a solitary nodule caused by pulmonary Mycobacterium intracellulare infectious disease which is indicative of lung cancer.     

A case of asymptomatic racemose hemangioma treated by bronchial artery embolization]

A 69-year-old man had an abnormal shadow on chest X-ray and bronchoscopic examination showed that left B4 was completely occluded by a tumor. A non-pulsatile polypoid nodule was also found in right B'. The tumor in the left B4 was diagnosed as carcinoid, but the nodule in right B' was suspected to be hemangioma and biopsy was not performed. Bronchial arteriography revealed hypervascularization with dilated vessels distributing to the lingular lobe and convoluted and a dilated bronchial artery extending to the right upper lobe. From these findings, we diagnosed racemose hemangioma of the bronchial artery of the right upper lobe. After bronchial artery embolization of the right and left bronchial arteries, he underwent segmentectomy of the lingula and was discharged without complications. Two months after the operation, bronchoscopic examination showed that the racemose hemangioma had shrunk and the swelling in the surrounding mucosa had decreased. If a submucosal small nodule is observed during bronchoscopy, biopsy should be performed after bronchial arteriography, and if the nodule is diagnosed as racemose hemangioma, bronchial artery embolization should be performed.     

Case of recurrence of AA type primary solitary pulmonary amyloidosis]

The patient was a 64-year-old asymptomatic man. His chest X-ray film, at age 61, showed a solitary nodule in the right middle lobe. Thoracoscopic surgery was performed. The nodule was pathologically diagnosed as a solitary nodular amyloidosis. After 3 years, his chest CT showed a solitary nodule in the left upper lung. Thoracoscopic surgery for the pulmonary nodule was performed again, and it was also pathologically diagnosed as a solitary nodular amyloidosis with AA type amyloid protein. Solitary nodular pulmonary amyloidosis is usually AL type, and few cases of solitary AA type amyloidosis have been reported. We reported a rare case of recurrence of solitary pulmonary amyloidosis.     

Un caso de schwannoma intrapulmonar diagnosticado mediante aspiración por punción transbronquial guiada con ecografía endobronquial

A 47-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for further examination of a lung tumor. CT of the chest revealed a round, well-defined 2.4-cm nodule in S2, adjacent to right superior lobe bronchus. Endobronchial ultrasonography showed a well-defined, hypoechoic tumor with echogenic capsule and posterior acoustic enhancement. Diagnosis of schwannoma was confirmed from the specimen obtained by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration. She underwent tumorectomy due to the possibility of obstructive pneumonia. Pathology diagnosis from the surgical specimen was also schwannoma. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration and findings with endobronchial ultrasonography might be helpful in the diagnosis of intrapulmonary schwannoma.     

A case of lung cancer with cyst formation]

A 70-year-old man was admitted with a nodule adjacent to a cystic lesion in the right lower lung field. Diagnosis of lung cancer was made by transbronchial biopsy. A series of chest radiographs revealed that a cystic lesion had presented 8 years before, and that a nodule appeared on the hilar side of the cyst 5 years later. The cyst may have been formed by the check-valve mechanism due to the lung cancer.     

A case of non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphoma with a lymphoma nodule moving around within a lung bulla

A 53-year-old man was admitted to Nagoya City University Hospital with complaining of bloody sputum and an abnormal shadow on chest X-ray film. The chest X-ray film showed a giant bulla in the right upper and middle lung fields and a mass shadow inside the bulla. In addition he had the swelling of bilateral inguinal lymph nodes. He was suspected to having bleeding from the lung bulla, and received a right upper lobectomy. The resected specimen showed a lobular tumor in the parenchyma of lung and an oval lymphoma nodule moving around inside of lung bulla. Histologically, both the lung tumor and inguinal lymph-nodes were non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphoma, diffuse and plasmacytoid large cell type.     

A case of solitary nodular pulmonary amyloidosis]

A 64-year-old man without respiratory symptoms was introduced to our hospital because of a nodule of 20 mm in diameter found in the left lung in a periodic health examination. The chest radiograph and CT scan showed a well-defined nodule in the middle of the left lung field, and enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Lung cancer was suspected, and transbronchial and CT guided biopsies were performed, but did not lead to a definitive diagnosis. Since the patient refused further examinations, we carefully followed up the nodule in the chest radiograph. After a year and a half, the nodule and the lymph nodes became enlarged, and the patient was admitted to the hospital for a surgical biopsy. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery followed by thoracotomy was performed for both a biopsy and nodule resection. Histologically, the nodule tissue was rich in amorphous substances positively stained with Congo Red, which was consistent with amyloidosis. No findings of systemic amyloidosis or secondary amyloidosis were demonstrated.     

A case of active pulmonary tuberculosis in the right lower lung field detected by CT]

Many studies have indicated the pitfalls in detecting abnormalities on chest radiography, although radiography of the chest has been used for the screening of peripheral lung cancer. Recently, mass screening with a spiral computed tomography scanner has been performed for the detection of small peripheral lung cancers, and it has been clarified that spiral CT was superior to chest radiography in the screening and detection of peripheral lung cancer. However, there have been only a few reports on pulmonary tuberculosis that was detected by chest CT. We report a case of active pulmonary tuberculosis detected by chest CT, and invisible on plain chest radiography. 39 year old female consulted our hospital, because chest radiography at mass screening for lung cancer showed an abnormal shadow in the left upper lung field. Chest CT revealed a high density nodule with calcification compatible with old tuberculosis. However, there was another 20 mm x 10 mm sized nodule in right S9b that was invisible on plain chest radiography. The nodule had a clear margin with satellite lesion that characterize active pulmonary tuberculosis. Bronchial lavage was performed by bronchofiberscopy, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from lavage fluid. The nodular shadow disappeared after the treatment with isoniazid and rifampicin for 9 months.