Evolution of peripheral lung adenocarcinomas: CT findings correlated with histology and tumor doubling time

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the evolution of peripheral lung adenocarcinomas using CT findings and histologic classification related to tumor doubling time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were 34 patients, each with an adenocarcinoma smaller than 3 cm. All patients underwent chest radiography and 10 of them had previously undergone CT more than 6 months before surgery. Tumor doubling time was estimated by examining sequential radiographs using the method originally described by Schwartz. Tumor growth was also observed by studying the changes on CT in the 10 patients who had previously undergone CT. The histologic classification (types A-F) was evaluated according to the criteria of Noguchi et al. RESULTS: Five (83%) of the six adenocarcinomas with tumor types A or B showed localized ground-glass opacity on high-resolution CT. All six tumors had a tumor doubling time of more than 1 year. Fifteen (71%) of the 21 tumors with type C showed partial ground-glass opacity mixed with localized solid attenuation on high-resolution CT. Ten (48%) of these 21 type C tumors had a tumor doubling time of more than 1 year. In types B and C, the solid component or the development of pleural indentation and vascular convergence increased during observation before surgery. All seven tumors with types D, E, and F showed mostly solid attenuation, and the tumor doubling time was less than 1 year in six (87%) of the seven tumors. CONCLUSION: Two main types of peripheral lung adenocarcinoma exist. The first type appears on CT as a localized ground-glass opacity with slow growth, and the other appears as a solid attenuation with rapid growth.     

Small peripheral carcinomas of the lung: thin-section CT and pathologic correlation

The aim of this study was to clarify the thin-section CT features of small peripheral carcinomas of the lung on the basis of pathologic findings of tumor growth patterns. Thin-section CT and pathologic correlation was evaluated in 19 patients with surgically verified small peripheral carcinomas of the lung ( < 20 mm in size) that had been detected in a screening trial for lung cancer using spiral CT. Four thin-section CT types of nodules were observed: (a) type L1 (4 of 19, 21 %), a fairly well-defined nodule with ground-glass attenuation, corresponding to tumor lepidic growth without alveolar collapse; (b) type L2 (4 of 19, 21 %), a partly lobulated nodule with a low but inhomogeneous attenuation, corresponding to tumor lepidic growth with scattered foci of alveolar collapse; (c) type L3 (4 of 19, 21 %), an ill-defined nodule with an irregularly shaped higher-density central zone in a ground-glass attenuation peripheral zone, accompanied by convergence of the bronchovascular structures from the surrounding lung parenchyma, which corresponded to desmoplastic response in the central zone and to tumor lepidic growth in the peripheral zone; and (d) type H (7 of 19, 37 %), a well-defined nodule with a solid homogeneous attenuation, corresponding to tumor hilic growth. Thin-section CT features of small peripheral carcinomas of the lung can be classified into four types, based on the density distribution of the tumor, which reflect the histologic findings. Received: 4 September 1998; Revised: 25 November 1998; Accepted: 17 March 1999     

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.     

Differential diagnosis of focal areas of ground-glass attenuation in the peripheral lung 20 mm or less in diameter: high-resolution CT-pathologic correlation

BACKGROUND: The detection and differential diagnosis of focal areas of ground-glass attenuation (FGGA) is becoming important for early diagnosis of lung cancer. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to clarify the correlation between FGGA (20 mm or less in diameter) on high-resolution CT (HRCT) and histopathology of surgically resected lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety surgically resected peripheral lung lesions 20 mm or less in diameter with a greater than 50% area of GGA on HRCT from 58 patients (34 men and 24 women; mean age, 60.5 years) were studied. Sixty-nine lesions were adenocarcinomas (type A; 31, type B; 5, type C; 32, type D; 1, according to Noguchi et al.), 11 were atypical adenomatous hyperplasias, and 10 were inflammatory lesions. HRCT findings were retrospectively evaluated with regard to maximum diameter, marginal character, internal dense attenuation domain, and linear density radiating into surrounding lung parenchyma. Statistical analysis was performed with Mann-Whitney's t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and chi 2-test between each group of lesions. RESULTS: The maximum diameters on HRCT were significantly larger in adenocarcinomas (mean, 12.7 +/- 5.5 mm) than in atypical adenomatous hyperplasias (4.6 +/- 1.9 mm, p < 0.01) and in inflammatory lesions (5.9 +/- 2.7 mm, p < 0.01). Among adenocarcinomas, the diameters of type C tumors (mean, 15.7 +/- 5.0 mm) were larger than those of type A tumors (9.0 +/- 3.1 mm, p < 0.01). Linear density radiating into surrounding lung parenchyma was not found in inflammatory lesions, atypical adenomatous hyperplasias or type A tumors. Dense attenuation domains were found more frequently in type C tumors (94%) than in type A or type B tumors. Linear density and dense attenuation domain were both correlated with size of lesion (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: HRCT is useful in the diagnosis of early pulmonary adenocarcinomas presenting as small FGGA.     

肺结节少见CT征象对病变的诊断价值

目的探讨肺结节的少见CT征象,提高周围型肺癌的诊断正确率。方法回顾分析经手术病理或临床治疗证实的186例肺内结节(139例周围型肺癌和47例其它肺内结节)的少见CT征象(多囊状透亮影、肿瘤胸膜侧的模糊小片状影、磨玻璃影)在肺癌和其它结节中的出现率。结果多囊状透亮影和肿瘤胸膜侧模糊小片状影在肺癌中出现率明显高于肺内其它结节(P<0.05)。磨玻璃影在肺癌和其它结节的出现率无显著差异。在肺癌中,磨玻璃影在细支气管肺泡癌中的出现率明显高于其它类型肺癌(P<0.001)。结论多囊状透亮影和肿瘤胸膜侧模糊小片状影对肺癌的诊断有较高价值,肺癌中磨玻璃影的出现常提示细支气管肺泡癌的可能。     

Peripheral lung adenocarcinoma: correlation of thin-section CT findings with histologic prognostic factors and survival

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prognostic importance of thin-section computed tomographic (CT) findings of peripheral lung adenocarcinomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were 127 patients with adenocarcinomas smaller than 3 cm in largest diameter who underwent at least a lobectomy with hilar and mediastinal lymphadenectomy. The margin characteristics of nodules and the extent of ground-glass opacity (GGO) within the nodules at preoperative thin-section CT were analyzed retrospectively. Regional lymph node metastasis (LNM) and vessel invasion (VI) were histologically examined in surgical specimens. Survival curves were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The frequencies of LNM (4% [1 of 24]) and VI (13% [three of 24]) in adenocarcinomas with GGO components of more than 50% were significantly lower than those with GGO components of less than 10% (LNM, P <.05; VI, P <.01). The patients with GGO components of more than 50% showed a significantly better prognosis than those with GGO components less than 50% (P <.05). All 17 adenocarcinomas smaller than 2 cm with GGO components of more than 50% were free of LNM and VI, and all these patients are alive without recurrence. Coarse spiculation and thickening of bronchovascular bundles around the tumors were observed more frequently in tumors with LNM or VI than in those without LNM or VI (P <.01). CONCLUSION: Thin-section CT findings of peripheral lung adenocarcinomas correlate well with histologic prognostic factors.     

CT profile curves of peripheral pulmonary adenocarcinoma of the lung: correlations with Noguchi type

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability to identify early adenocarcinomas (Noguchi types A/B) from peripheral lung adenocarcinomas of less than 20 mm in diameter based on CT profile curves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High resolution CT (HRCT) of 33 patients with peripheral lung adenocarcinoma less than 20 mm in diameter were reviewed retrospectively. CT attenuation values were measured using profile curves. Maximum and minimum CT values among profile curves of tumors were correlated with pathological diagnosis based on Noguchi type. RESULTS: As adenocarcinoma type worsened, CT values increased in both minimum and maximum values for the central portion of the tumor, although maximum values did not differ between type C and types D/E/F. Maximum CT values were significantly higher for type B than for type A (p = 0.0029). Minimum CT values were significantly lower for type B than for C (p = 0.0022). In both maximum and minimum CT values, significant differences existed between Noguchi types A/B and all other Noguchi types (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001) and between types A/B and type C (p = 0.0013, p = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: CT profile curves are relatively simple to derive and offer a consistent method of differentiating Noguchi types A/B from type C and from types C/D/E/F.     

CT findings and progression of small peripheral lung neoplasms having a replacement growth pattern

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the imaging findings and progression of replacement lung neoplasms that were revealed on thin-section CT and serial CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the age of patients and thin-section CT findings (lesion size; percentage of ground-glass opacity areas; and presence or absence of solid portions, lobulation, coarse spiculation, air bronchogram, cavity, multiplicity, and pleural tags) in 73 lesions (11 atypical adenomatous hyperplasias, 17 type A [Noguchi's classification], 18 type B, and 27 type C small peripheral adenocarcinomas). We compared the serial findings of 48 of 73 lesions on low-dose screening CT (n = 21) or thin-section CT (n = 27) obtained at a mean interval of 450 days (range, 85-951 days). Progression from atypical adenomatous hyperplasia through type A to type B and then to type C tumor was studied using trend tests. RESULTS: A significant linear trend was seen for lesion size (r = 0.55; p < 0.001), percentages of ground-glass opacity areas (r = 0.75; p < 0.001), and the prevalence of lobulation (p < 0.001), spiculation (p = 0.001), air bronchogram (p = 0.023), cavity (p = 0.046), pleural tag (p < 0.001), and solid portions (p < 0.001). In general from serial CT assessment, lesions were recognized first as a ground-glass opacity nodule (56% of 48 lesions) with subsequent increase in size (75%), then solid portions appeared in the nodule (17%), and finally solid portions increased (23%) with occasional augmentation of tissue contraction (6%). CONCLUSIONS: CT analysis revealed stepwise progression of replacement-type lung neoplasms.     

肺癌肺内转移的多形性CT影像表现

目的　评价肺癌肺内转移在CT影像上的各种形态表现。方法　194例病例,其中男106例,女88例,平均45岁。原发肿瘤包括鳞癌56例(28. 9% ),腺癌107例(55. 2% ),小细胞肺癌26例(13. 4% ),腺鳞癌5例(2. 6% )。结果　肺癌肺内血行转移主要以实性结节最为常见,其少见影像可表现为空洞转移、磨玻璃转移、转移病灶边缘毛糙和/或胸膜凹陷征以及转移灶内可见含气支气管气像,并主要见于肺腺癌;淋巴道转移表现为支气管血管束不规则结节状增厚,小叶间隔增厚呈串珠状或胸膜下多角形细线结构。结论　肺癌肺内转移可呈多形性影像表现。     

Quantification of ground-glass opacity on high-resolution CT of small peripheral adenocarcinoma of the lung: pathologic and prognostic implications.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to correlate the high-resolution CT findings of small peripheral adenocarcinoma of the lung with underlying histopathology and to evaluate the prognostic implications of the CT findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The high-resolution CT findings of small peripheral adenocarcinoma of the lung in 224 patients were analyzed by two independent observers for location, size, marginal characteristics, and extent of ground-glass opacity and necrosis. The pathologic specimens were reviewed by an experienced lung pathologist. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-two patients had bronchioloalveolar carcinoma and 92 had adenocarcinoma. The extent of ground-glass opacity was greater in bronchioloalveolar carcinomas (mean +/- SD, 29% +/- 31.6%) than in other adenocarcinomas (8% +/- 13.3%) (p < 0.001). The extent of ground-glass opacity was significantly greater in patients without recurrence (p = 0.020) and those without nodal (p = 0.017) or distant (p = 0.007) metastases than in patients with nodal or distant metastases or in whom the carcinoma had recurred. CONCLUSION: The extent of ground-glass opacity in a nodule is greater in bronchioloalveolar carcinomas than in other adenocarcinomas. Greater extent of ground-glass opacity also correlates with improved prognosis.     

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.     

周围型肺癌CT征象和动态CT增强与肿瘤微血管密度相关性研究

目的探讨周围型肺癌CT征象和动态CT增强表现与肿瘤微血管密度的关系。方法30例经手术病理证实为周围型肺癌,术前行螺旋CT平扫和动态增强扫描,并观察其征象并测量感兴趣区CT值。病理标本采用免疫组织化学染色SP法表达抗体CD34,并进行病理学观察。结果肿瘤微血管密度与周围型肺癌组织学类型无关(P>0.05),与肿瘤的分化程度、CT影像上肿瘤直径、分叶征、棘状突起、血管集束征、胸膜凹陷征、纵隔淋巴结转移均有密切相关(P<0.05),而与毛刺征无关(P>0.05);肺腺癌的强化幅度略高于鳞癌,但没有统计学意义(P>0.05),肺腺癌与鳞癌的强化幅度均与其MVD值呈正相关(r=0.619,P<0.05;r=0.586,P<0.05)。结论周围型肺癌CT征象和动态CT增强有助于对肺癌的血管密度和预后的评价。     

Role of high-resolution CT in the diagnosis of small pulmonary nodules coexisting with potentially operable lung cancer

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether high-resolution CT (HRCT) could facilitate the preoperative diagnosis of one or two small nodules of 1 cm or less coexisting with a lung cancer, i.e., coexisting small nodule. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 27 coexisting small nodules in 24 potentially operable lung cancer patients. An observer study was performed by five radiologists. The observer performances in differentiating malignant from benign coexisting small nodules were evaluated on conventional CT and HRCT using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: The area under the ROC curve of five observers was 0.731 on HRCT and 0.578 on conventional CT in the differential diagnosis of coexisting small nodules. A significant diagnostic improvement was found on HRCT (p=0.031). This was especially evident for nodules of ground-glass attenuation (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: HRCT plays an important role in determining the treatment of potentially operable lung cancer patients with coexisting small nodules.     

Five-year lung cancer screening experience: CT appearance, growth rate, location, and histologic features of 61 lung cancers

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the computed tomography (CT)-determined size, morphology, location, morphologic change, and growth rate of incidence and prevalence lung cancers detected in high-risk individuals who underwent annual chest CT screening for 5 years and to evaluate the histologic features and stages of these cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was institutional review board approved and HIPAA compliant. Informed consent was waived. CT scans of 61 cancers (24 in men, 37 in women; age range, 53-79 years; mean, 65 years) were retrospectively reviewed for cancer size, morphology, and location. Forty-eight cancers were assessed for morphologic change and volume doubling time (VDT), which was calculated by using a modified Schwartz equation. Histologic sections were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Mean tumor size was 16.4 mm (range, 5.5-52.5 mm). Most common CT morphologic features were as follows: for bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) (n = 9), ground-glass attenuation (n = 6, 67%) and smooth (n = 3, 33%), irregular (n = 3, 33%), or spiculated (n = 3, 33%) margin; for non-BAC adenocarcinomas (n = 25), semisolid (n = 11, 44%) or solid (n = 12, 48%) attenuation and irregular margin (n = 14, 56%); for squamous cell carcinoma (n = 14), solid attenuation (n = 12, 86%) and irregular margin (n = 10, 71%); for small cell or mixed small and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (n = 7), solid attenuation (n = 6, 86%) and irregular margin (n = 5, 71%); for non-small cell carcinoma not otherwise specified (n = 5), solid attenuation (n = 4, 80%) and irregular margin (n = 3, 60%); and for large cell carcinoma (n = 1), solid attenuation and spiculated shape (n = 1, 100%). Attenuation most often (in 12 of 21 cases) increased. Margins most often (in 16 of 20 cases) became more irregular or spiculated. Mean VDT was 518 days. Thirteen of 48 cancers had a VDT longer than 400 days; 11 of these 13 cancers were in women. CONCLUSION: Overdiagnosis, especially in women, may be a substantial concern in lung cancer screening.     

Thoracic CT findings of adult T-cell leukemia or lymphoma

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess pulmonary CT findings in patients with adult T-cell leukemia or lymphoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed CT scans of the lung in 87 patients with adult T-cell leukemia or lymphoma who had undergone chest CT between January 1996 and March 2002 at two institutions. The CT scans were interpreted by two chest radiologists working in consensus. Parenchymal abnormalities (ground-glass attenuation, consolidation, nodules, thickening of bronchovascular bundles, interlobular septal thickening, honeycombing, crazy-paving appearance, and bronchiectasis) were evaluated, as were enlarged lymph nodes, pleural effusion, and pleural thickening. In 46 patients who underwent surgical biopsy or autopsy, CT-pathologic correlation was performed with the actual specimens by a pathologist and two chest radiologists. RESULTS: On the CT scans, abnormal findings were seen in 60 patients (69.0%). CT findings consisted of ground-glass attenuation (n = 37), centrilobular nodules (n = 25), thickening of bronchovascular bundles (n = 22), and consolidation (n = 13). These abnormalities were predominantly seen in the peripheral lung parenchyma (n = 26). Pathologically, these findings corresponded with atypical lymphocyte infiltration along the interstitium and the alveolar spaces. Pleural effusion and enlarged lymph nodes were found in 22 and 27 patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: CT findings in patients with adult T-cell leukemia or lymphoma consisted mainly of ground-glass attenuation, centrilobular nodules, and thickening of the bronchovascular bundles in the peripheral lung. These findings, although nonspecific, are considered suggestive of thoracic involvement in patients with adult T-cell leukemia or lymphoma.     

Transient pulmonary eosinophilia incidentally found on low-dose computed tomography: findings in 40 individuals

PURPOSE: To describe computed tomography (CT) findings of transient pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) incidentally found on low-dose CT (LDCT) and to identify suggestive CT features helpful in initial diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed LDCT scans in 40 individuals who met criteria for having TPE. There were 35 men and 5 women (age range, 32-62 years; mean, 48.5 +/- 9 years). Initial LDCT scans were assessed as either (a) nodules, further characterized as either solid, solid associated with a halo of ground-glass attenuation, or pure ground-glass lesions as well as by number, size, and location or (b) ill-defined foci of parenchymal consolidation. RESULTS: A range of focal parenchymal abnormalities (n = 78) were identified-both single (48%) and multiple (52%). Most of these proved to be either solid nodules with discrete ground-glass halos (72%), or poorly defined solid nodules exhibiting a variety of differing morphologies (24%). Ill-defined foci of consolidation were noted in 3 cases (4%). The lesions were predominantly located in the lower lung zone (73%) with peripheral distribution (92%). CONCLUSIONS: Transient pulmonary eosinophilia most often manifests as solid nodules with associated ground-glass halos. Awareness of TPE should serve to limit the number of mistaken diagnoses of early lung cancer.     

Ground-glass opacity on thin-section CT: value in differentiating subtypes of adenocarcinoma of the lung.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether thin-section CT could be used to differentiate small localized bronchioloalveolar carcinoma from peripheral adenocarcinoma having a bronchioloalveolar (replacement) growth pattern of alveolar lining cells and from adenocarcinoma not having a replacement growth pattern on the basis of the extent of ground-glass opacity revealed by thin-section CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-four small, surgically resected, peripheral adenocarcinomas from 119 patients (67 men and 52 women; mean age, 60 years) were studied. Lesion diameters were 0.4-2.0 cm (median, 1.5 cm). The extent of ground-glass opacity within lesions on preoperative thin-section CT was reviewed retrospectively by three thoracic radiologists. On the basis of replacement growth of alveolar lining cells, small adenocarcinomas were classified histologically as localized bronchioloalveolar carcinomas (n = 42) or as adenocarcinomas with (n = 53) or without (n = 29) a replacement growth pattern of alveolar lining cells. RESULTS: The percentage of lesions that had ground-glass opacity was significantly greater in localized bronchioloalveolar carcinomas (mean, 56.7%+/-33.0%) than in adenocarcinomas with a replacement growth pattern (mean, 26.3%+/-25.3%, p < .001) or in adenocarcinomas without a replacement growth pattern (mean, 8.3%+/-4.7%, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Determination of the ground-glass opacity area in each tumor as revealed on thin-section CT was useful for differentiating small localized bronchioloalveolar carcinomas from small adenocarcinomas not having a replacement growth pattern.     

周围型浸润性肺腺癌EGFR基因突变与CT征象及病理的相关性

目的：探讨周围型浸润性肺腺癌表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)基因突变状态与 CT 征象及病理特征的相关性。方法收集193例经病理证实为周围型浸润性肺腺癌的手术标本,采用扩增阻滞突变系统对所有标本行 EGFR基因突变检测,结合胸部 CT征象及病理资料进行回顾性分析。结果193例中EGFR基因突变率为62.2%(120/193)。在CT征象方面：基因突变组与野生型组于横轴位上肿瘤最大直径(Dmax)分别为(2.52±1.01)cm和(3.11±1.34)cm,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)提示Dmax=2.01 cm为判断 EGFR基因突变状态的最佳诊断阈值,敏感度与特异度分别为79%和64%。含磨玻璃密度影(GGO)的肿瘤突变率为78.0%,高于无 GGO 者(56.6%),P<0.05。肿瘤不伴有囊腔样改变者突变率为65.5%,高于伴有囊腔样改变者(40.0%),P<0.05。磨玻璃影/肿瘤直径比(G/T)、分叶征、毛刺征、胸膜凹陷征、血管集束征、空气支气管征、空泡征与EGFR基因突变率无显著相关性(P值均>0.05)。在病理特征方面：组织学亚型中以贴壁生长为主型突变率为77.5%,高于其他亚型(58.2%),P<0.05。以实体生长为主型突变率为26.3%,低于其他亚型(66.1%),P<0.05。无淋巴结转移者突变率为66.9%,高于淋巴结转移者(50.9%),P<0.05。结论在周围型浸润性肺腺癌中,部分CT征象及病理特征对于辅助预测 EGFR基因突变状态具有一定价值。     

Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias: CT features

Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias comprise usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP), respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease (RB-ILD), cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP), acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP), and lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP). Each of these entities has a typical imaging and histologic pattern, although in practice the imaging patterns may be variable. Each entity may be idiopathic or may be secondary to a recognizable cause such as collagen vascular disease or inhalational exposure. The diagnosis of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia is made by means of correlation of clinical, imaging, and pathologic features. The characteristic computed tomographic (CT) features of UIP are predominantly basal and peripheral reticular pattern with honeycombing and traction bronchiectasis. NSIP is characterized by predominantly basal ground-glass opacity and/or reticular pattern, often with traction bronchiectasis. DIP and RB-ILD are smoking-related lung diseases characterized by ground-glass opacity and centrilobular nodules. COP is characterized by patchy peripheral or peribronchovascular consolidation. AIP manifests as diffuse lung consolidation and ground-glass opacity. LIP is associated with a CT pattern of ground-glass opacity sometimes associated with perivascular cysts.     

Subtypes of peripheral adenocarcinoma of the lung: differentiation by thin-section CT

The purpose of this study was to scrutinize morphological characteristics of thin-section CT of the histopathological subtypes of adenocarcinoma of the lung. The subjects consisted of 83 patients with 87 adenocarcinomas measuring 3 cm or less in the largest. The tumors were divided into three groups (group I: Noguchis histological subtypes type A and B tumors, group II: type C tumors, and group III: type D, E, and F tumors). In each group, tumor size, shape (round versus polygonal), presence of air bronchogram, bubble-like areas, coarse spiculation, pleural tag, and ratio of ground glass attenuation (GGA) were evaluated. Most of the group II lesions showed polygonal shape, whereas tumors in other groups were round in shape (P<0.01). Air bronchogram and bubble-like areas of low attenuation was seen more frequently in group II compared with those in group III (P<0.01). GGA areas were largest in group I and smallest in group III (P<0.01). We believe thin-section CT findings reflect the histopathological subtypes of adenocarcinoma of the lung. The presence of air bronchogram and bubble-like areas of low attenuation areas in particular is useful to differentiate replacement growth tumors from non-replacement growth tumors.This revised version was published online in May 2005 with corrections to the title.