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.     

Extrapancreatic neural plexus invasion by carcinomas of the pancreatic head region: evaluation using thin-section helical CT

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the computed tomographic (CT) criteria for diagnosing the second portion of the extrapancreatic neural plexus (PLX-II) invasion by carcinoma of the pancreatic head region on thin-section helical CT. Materials and methods A total of 41 patients with carcinoma of the pancreatic head region (17 in the pancreas, 24 in the lower common bile duct) underwent three-phase helical CT (collimation 5 mm; reconstruction 2.5 mm) before surgery. Two criteria were established for the assessment of the PLX-II running between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the medial margin of the uncinate process: criterion A: assessment of the area around the SMA and inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery; criterion B: assessment of the jejunal trunk. Results PLX-II invasion was pathologically confirmed in 19 patients with pancreatobiliary carcinoma. For criterion A, all 19 patients with positive PLX-II invasion and 20 of the 22 with negative PLX-II invasion were correctly diagnosed (sensitivity 100%; specificity 91%; accuracy 95%). For criterion B, 3 of the 17 patients with positive PLX-II invasion and all 20 with negative PLX-II invasion were correctly diagnosed (sensitivity 18%; specificity 100%; accuracy 62%). The two false-positive cases using criterion A were correctly diagnosed using criterion B. Conclusion Thin-section helical CT provides sufficient diagnostic ability regarding PLX-II invasion by carcinoma of the pancreatic head region.     

Predictive CT findings of malignancy in ground-glass nodules on thin-section chest CT: the effects on radiologist performance

Our purpose was to identify thin-section chest computed tomography (CT) findings of malignancy other than the presence of a solid portion within ground-glass nodules (GGNs) and to evaluate whether the radiologists’ performance in determining malignancy can be enhanced with this information. The predictive CT findings of malignancy extracted from the CT findings of 80 GGNs (47 malignant, 33 benign) were a size of >8 mm [odds ratio (OR), 10.930; P = 0.045] and a lobulated border (OR, 13.769; P = 0.016) for pure GGNs and a lobulated border (OR, 10.200; P = 0.024) for mixed GGNs. Four chest radiologists and five radiology residents participated in the observer performance study with CT of 130 GGNs (67 malignant, 63 benign). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to compare radiologists’ performances before and after providing these predictive findings. For pure GGNs, mean areas under the curve (A_z) of all readers without and with CT predictive information were significantly different (0.621 ± 0.052 and 0.766 ± 0.055, P < 0.05). For mixed GGNs, the A_z values achieved without and with predictive information were not significantly different (0.727 ± 0.064 and 0.764 ± 0.056, P > 0.05). Information about lesion size and morphological characteristics can enhance radiologists’ performance in determining malignancy of pure GGNs.     

Foreign-body granuloma of the kidney: CT, MR and pathologic correlation

The differential diagnosis of renal masses containing fatty foci is limited to a small number of well-defined tumors, angiomyolipoma being the most frequent. In recent years clear cell carcinomas with intratumoral fatty foci have been reported, due to either entrapment of local fat or to regressive adipose metaplasia. Demonstration of focal calcifications is a valuable sign, being relatively common in carcinomas while rare in more benign lesions. We report a case of a foreign-body granuloma of the kidney, containing both calcifications and foci of fat. The value of this case, in our opinion, is that it demonstrates that detection of the previously mentioned features in a renal mass does not necessarily imply a presumptive diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma. Received: 11 June 1998; Revision received: 3 November 1998; Accepted: 23 November 1998     

周围型肺癌CT表现及与血清肿瘤标志物SCC-Ag的相关性

目的：探讨周围型肺癌CT表现及与血清肿瘤标志物SCC-Ag浓度关系。方法：回顾性分析48例周围型肺癌CT表现及与血清肿瘤标志物SCC-Ag资料,对比分析其病理、CT表现与血清肿瘤标志物SCC-Ag关系。结果：30例腺癌血清SCC-Ag浓度为（1.04±0.75）ng/ml,11例鳞癌血清SCC-Ag浓度为（5.57±5.39）ng/ml,腺癌与鳞癌血清SCC-Ag浓度差异有统计学意义。肺癌的分化程度与血清SCC-Ag浓度相关系数r值为0.269。有空泡征或毛玻璃征的肺癌,其血清SCC-Ag浓度较无空泡征或毛玻璃征的肺癌低。肺癌有无深分叶征、胸膜凹陷征、瘤体直径≥3 cm、毛刺征、支气管气相、增强值≥20 HU、空洞、钙化或肺门、纵隔淋巴结肿大与血清SCC-Ag浓度差异无统计学意义。肺癌Ki-67抗原阳性百分率与血清SCC-Ag浓度相关系数r值为0.118。26例p53表达阳性肺癌SCC-Ag浓度（1.70±2.11）ng/ml,22例p53表达阴性肺癌SCC-Ag浓度（2.49±4.17）ng/ml。结论：肺癌的空泡征或毛玻璃征与其血清SCC-Ag浓度有一定负相关性;肺癌的分化程度、Ki-67抗原及p53表达与血清SCC-Ag浓度之间无明显相关性。     

Thin-section CT of the mediastinum in preoperative N-staging of non-small cell lung cancer: Comparison with FDG PET

Purpose

To compare diagnostic capability of preoperative N-staging of lung cancer between thin-section CT of the mediastinum and FDG PET, and 5 mm slice thickness CT.

Materials and methods

The subjects were 34 patients with lung carcinoma who were examined by both CT and PET, and subsequently underwent surgery between May 2005 and January 2007. CT was carried out with a 16 detector row helical CT scanner. The raw data were reconstructed into 5 mm slice thickness and 1 mm slice thickness (thin-section CT). A total of 251 lymph node stations were retrospectively assessed for the presence of lymph node metastasis with thin-section CT, 5 mm CT and PET. In the interpretations of thin-section CT and 5 mm CT, we employed multi-criteria as follows: nodular calcification and intranodal fat as benign criteria, and short-axis diameter more than 10 mm (size criterion), focal low density other than fat, surrounding fat infiltration and convex margin in hilar lymph nodes, as malignant criteria. On PET, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of 2.5 or more was used as the criterion of malignancy. Sensitivity and specificity were compared between these examinations using McNemar test.

Results

Sensitivities and specificities of thin-section CT, 5 mm CT and PET were 25%, 25%, 25%, and 97%, 94%, 98%, respectively. The statistical analysis revealed that the specificity of 5 mm CT was significantly lower than those of thin-section CT (p = 0.039) and PET (p = 0.006), while no difference was present between thin-section CT and PET.

Conclusion

Thin-section CT of the mediastinum using multiple criteria was comparable to PET in preoperative N-staging of lung cancer.     

肺腺癌的螺旋CT表现特征及其病理学基础

目的：探讨肺腺癌局部生长的螺旋CT表现特点与组织病理基础的基础关性。方法：34例手术病理证实的肺腺癌采用扫描。结合组织病理发现，观察和评价和评价在螺旋CT上肿瘤内部结构，密度分布、边缘特征及周围肺组织改变。结果：34例肺腺癌中，肿块密度均匀14例（41％），不均匀20例（59％），分叶片22例（65％），空泡征10例（29％），短毛刺16例（47％），支气管气相7例（21％），血管集束征16例（47％），胸膜凹陷征19例（56％），毛玻璃样（ground galass opacity,GGO)征7例（21％），GGO征病理上代表肿瘤细胞沿肺泡壁生长，同时残留含气肺泡组织。结论：肺腺癌的螺旋CT表现可反映肿瘤生长的组织病理学特征。     

Comparison of thin-section CT and pathological findings in small solid-density type pulmonary adenocarcinoma: Prognostic factors from CT findings

Objective

We divided pulmonary adenocarcinoma of ≤20 mm into air-containing and solid-density types based on a percentage reduction of the maximum tumor diameter in the mediastinal window image compared to the area in the lung window image on thin-section (TS) CT of ≥50% (air-containing type) and <50% (solid-density type). No relapse occurred in patients with air-containing type. The prognosis of solid-density type may be poor even when the tumor size is 20 mm or smaller. We investigated whether CT findings for these tumors could serve as prognostic factors.

Methods

The subjects were 105 patients with solid-density type pulmonary adenocarcinoma that was identified on TSCT and found to have a diameter of 20 mm or smaller after surgical resection during the period from April 1997 to November 2004. Notches, air bronchogram, pleural retraction, spiculation, venous involvement, and ground glass opacity were examined on TSCT, and their associations with pathological findings (i.e., pleural invasion, lymphatic permeation, vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, and Noguchi's classification) and relapse were investigated using chi-square test and Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

The incidence of relapse was significantly higher in cases with notches. The incidence of notches increased with tumor growth and notches were frequent in Noguchi type D tumors, reflecting poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Lymphatic permeation and type D cases were independent factors associated with a poor prognosis using Cox proportional hazards model.

Conclusions

TSCT findings may be useful for prediction of the prognosis of solid-density type pulmonary adenocarcinoma.     

Three dimensional CT of central lung tumors

Three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) reconstructions and conventional CT were compared with surgical /pathological findings in seven patients with central lung tumors, in order to assess accuracy in predicting the lobectomy/pneumonectomy decision. Although conventional CT surpassed 3D CT in diagnosing bronchial tumor invasion, 3D CT appeared to be better for central arterial invasion. Despite problems due to motion effects, partial volume averaging and the time consuming nature of the reconstruction process, 3D CT is probably useful in this setting and promises to have similar applications throughout the body.     

Non-hodgkin lymphoma of the ureter: CT demonstration with pathologic correlation

A case of a 42-year-old man with non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the ureter is reported. Diffuse lymphomatous infiltration of the ureter occurs rarely and is an uncommon cause of ureteral obstruction. Imaging-pathologic correlation is presented with CT images and autopsy specimens.     

Chest wall infiltration by lung cancer: value of thin-sectional CT with different reconstruction algorithms

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate whether thin-sectional CT with different reconstruction algorithms can improve the diagnostic accuracy with regard to chest wall invasion in patients with peripheral bronchogenic carcinoma. Forty-one patients with intrapulmonary lesions and tumor contact to the thoracic wall as seen on CT staging underwent additional 1-mm CT slices with reconstruction in a high-resolution (HR) and an edge blurring, soft detail (SD) algorithm. Five criteria were applied and validated by histological findings. Using the criteria of the intact fat layer, HRCT had a sensitivity of 81 % and a specificity of 79 %, SD CT had a sensitivity of 96 % and a specificity of 78 %, and standard CT technique had a sensitivity of 50 % and a specificity of 71 %, respectively. Regarding changes of intercostal soft tissue, HRCT achieved a sensitivity of 71 % and a specificity of 96 %, SD CT had a sensitivity of 94 % and a specificity of 96 % (standard CT technique: sensitivity 50 % and specificity 96 %) . For the other criteria, such as pleural contact area, angle, and osseous destruction, no significant differences were found. Diagnostic accuracy of chest wall infiltration can be improved by using thin sectional CT. Especially the application of an edge-blurring (SD) algorithm increases sensitivity and specificity without additional costs. Received: 4 September 1997; Revision received: 13 August 1998; Accepted: 15 January 1999     

CT bronchus sign in malignant solitary pulmonary lesions: value in the prediction of cell type

The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in the prevalence of patterns of CT bronchus sign in malignant solitary pulmonary lesions (SPLs), according to their histologic cell types and with respect to size, location, and degree of cell differentiation. Computed tomography scans of 78 patients, in whom pathologically confirmed malignant SPLs with CT bronchus sign were present, were randomly selected and reviewed by two radiologists under consensus. All 78 were CT scans done using spiral technique with 10-mm collimation and 10-mm reconstruction intervals with enhancement, and 75 included additional high-resolution CT scans. Lesions were classified into four cell types as squamous cell carcinoma (n = 24), small cell carcinoma (n = 12), adenocarcinoma (n = 23), bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC; n = 9), and others (n = 12), into three degrees of differentiation, into three size groups, and according to location (central or peripheral). Patterns of CT bronchus sign were classified into abruptly obstructing (I), patent (II), displacing (III), or tapered narrowing (IV) types. The relationships between the patterns of CT bronchus sign and cell type and degree of cell differentiation were evaluated. Eighty patterns of CT bronchus sign were observed in 78 patients. According to cell type, squamous cell carcinoma showed most often type-I pattern (45.8 %) but no type-II pattern, which was the most common pattern observed in BAC (77.8 %) and adenocarcinoma (34.8 %; p < 0.01). Small cell carcinoma showed a varied distribution among the four patterns of CT bronchus sign. According to location, in central squamous cell carcinomas, type-I pattern was more common(55 %; p < 0.01). Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma showed more peripheral lesions and in both central and peripheral lesions, type-II pattern was significantly more common (100 and 66.7 %; p < 0.01). In SPLs with CT bronchus sign of obstructing pattern, especially if central location, squamous cell carcinoma should be suspected, whereas in SPLs with patent CT bronchus sign, regardless of the location, the strong possibility of BAC should be considered. Received: 15 March 1999; Revised: 8 July 1999; Accepted: 28 December 1999     

Myofibroblastic inflammatory tumor of the lung: CT findings with pathologic correlation

The objective of this study was to describe the computed tomographic (CT) features of myofibroblastic inflammatory tumor of the lung with histopathologic correlation. The medical records and imaging studies of eight patients with pathologically proven myofibroblastic inflammatory tumor of the lung were reviewed. On radiographs and CT images, a poorly circumscribed mass or nodule was evident in five patients (six lesions), and a well-circumscribed lesion was evident in three patients (three lesions). Seven lesions were peripheral and two were centrally located. At CT, five lesions were of heterogeneous attenuation and four homogeneous. Increased perilesional parenchymal abnormalities, which were caused by peribronchial inflammatory infiltrates, were observed in three cases. The predominant histopathologic feature was organizing pneumonia type in three cases, lymphoplasmacytic type in three cases, and both organizing pneumonia and lymphoplasmacytic type in two cases. Variable degree of fibrous histiocytoma type was observed in all cases. The imaging characteristics of myofibroblastic inflammatory tumor of the lung are variable and nonspecific. The authors conclude that most cases appear as solitary, peripheral lesions with a predilection for the lower lobes. Associated findings may include perilesional inflammatory changes. Because myofibroblastic inflammatory tumor cannot be reliably differentiated from other pulmonary lesions based solely on the imaging appearance diagnostic biopsy is mandatory. Interpretation of the imaging findings combined with the histopathologic features of disease may help make correct diagnosis.     

CT findings of leukemic pulmonary infiltration with pathologic correlation

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the characteristic CT findings of leukemic pulmonary infiltration based on the pathologic findings. The CT findings of 11 leukemic patients with leukemic pulmonary infiltration were compared with those of 22 leukemic patients with other diseases as a control group. Evaluated pulmonary parenchymal CT findings included thickening of bronchovascular bundles and interlobular septa, prominence of peripheral pulmonary arteries, ground-glass opacities, air-space consolidation, and nodules. The CT-pathologic correlations for leukemic infiltration were evaluated in 7 patients. Frequent parenchymal CT findings were thickening of bronchovascular bundles (81.8%), prominence of peripheral pulmonary arteries (81.8%), and non-lobular and non-segmental ground-glass opacities (90.9%). The first two findings were significantly more frequently observed in leukemic infiltration than in the control group, had good interobserver agreement, and corresponded pathologically to leukemic cell infiltration around the pulmonary arteries, bronchi, or bronchioles. Non-lobular and non-segmental ground-glass opacity corresponded to leukemic cell infiltration within alveolar spaces and septa adjacent to the pulmonary arteries or bronchi and also corresponded to hemorrhage, edema, or diffuse alveolar damage. Thickening of bronchovascular bundles and prominence of peripheral pulmonary arteries are CT findings suggestive for leukemic infiltration and correspond to peribronchovascular tumor extension.     

Correlation between high-resolution computed tomographic, magnetic resonance and pathological findings in cases with non-cancerous but suspicious lung nodules

Computed tomography scans, including thin-section high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), occasionally fail to differentiate between small non-cancerous nodules from lung cancers. We describe nine such lesions ( < 20 mm in diameter) initially identified through our screening program for lung cancer using CT scanning. Pathological diagnoses included nodular fibrosis (n = 4), granuloma (n = 1), cryptococcoma (n = 1), localised organising pneumonia (n = 1), inflammatory pseudo-tumour (n = 1) and sclerosing haemangioma (n = 1). High-resolution CT findings, together with MRI findings with contrast-enhanced dynamic studies, were retrospectively evaluated. Additional cases should be identified and radiologically characterised in order to reduce the number of non-cancerous tumours that are treated by unnecessary surgery. Received: 28 February 2000; Accepted: 29 February 2000     

淋巴瘤肺浸润的CT表现和病理对比

目的：探讨淋巴瘤肺浸润的特征性CT表现和病理学特征,以提高对本病的认识。方法：回顾性分析23例经病理证实的淋巴瘤肺浸润的CT影像资料,并与组织病理学和手术结果比较。结果：23例淋巴瘤中霍奇金淋巴瘤5例,非霍奇金淋巴瘤18例。单发病灶7例,多发病灶16例。肺叶肺段型9例,结节肿块型8例,混合型6例。CT病理对比研究显示支气管充气征（14/23,60.87%）、CT血管造影征（12/23,52.17%）、磨玻璃结节（3/23,13.04%）,跨叶病灶（4/23,17.39%）为较具特征性的征象,对诊断意义较大。结论：淋巴瘤肺浸润CT表现具有一定的特征性,对淋巴瘤肺浸润的诊断具有一定的临床价值。     

Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung: CT-pathological correlation

AIM: To correlate CT morphological features and histopathological findings of adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all, 29 patients underwent contrast-enhanced CT of an adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung, followed by resection of the cancer. Correlations between CT morphological and histopathological features were evaluated, including location, characteristics of margins, attenuation and the presence of necrosis. RESULTS: The tumour was peripheral in 21 (72%) and central in 8 (28%) cases. The tumours varied in size from 1.1cm to 11.0cm (mean 3.8cm); 20 (69%) appeared as heterogeneous masses and 9 (31%) as homogeneous masses. The most common CT features were lobulation in 27 (93%), pleural tail in 22 (76%), spiculation in 17 (59%), necrosis in 15 (52%) and vessel convergence in 13 (45%). Among the 21 peripheral tumours, 14 (67%) showed intratumoural necrosis and 17 (81%) were heterogeneous. Among the 8 central tumours, only 1 (12.5%) showed intratumoural necrosis and 5 (62.5%) were homogeneous. These CT features corresponded mainly to solid tumour growth, which was composed of both squamous cell carcinomatous and adenocarcinomatous tissue. CONCLUSION: Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung is shown to be characteristically a solid, lobulated nodule or mass, more commonly peripheral than central. After intravenous injection of positive contrast medium, CT shows that the peripheral lesions are usually of heterogeneous soft-tissue attenuation.     

Renal cell carcinoma of clear type: correlation of CT features with tumor size, architectural patterns, and pathologic staging

The purpose of this study was to report the CT findings of renal cell carcinoma of clear type (RCCCT) and to determine if there are characteristic morphologic features in RCCCT with respect to tumor size, architectural patterns, and pathologic stage. The CT scans of 35 patients with RCCCT were reviewed retrospectively. The CT findings (tumor size, attenuation patterns, presence of calcifications, encapsulation, margins of neoplasms, venous involvement by neoplasms) were correlated with tumor size, architectural patterns, and pathologic staging. Of the 35 neoplasms, 28 (80 %) were solid, 4 (11 %) were papillary, and 3 (9 %) were cystic. Complete encapsulation was more frequent in lower pathologic stages (40 % in stages 1 and 2 vs 0 % in stages 3 and 4; p < 0.05). Venous involvement was less frequent with completely encapsulated neoplasms (0 of 10, 0 %) than with incompletely or nonencapsulated neoplasms (8 of 25, 32 %; p < 0.05). Encapsulated RCCCT are more likely to have lower pathologic stage. Nonencapsulated neoplasms are more likely to have a higher pathologic stage. Received 19 February 1996; Revision received 21 May 1996; Accepted 4 June 1996     

肺不典型腺瘤样增生的影像与病理对照分析

目的分析肺不典型腺瘤样增生（AAH）的影像表现，并与病理对照，旨在提高对AAH影像表现的认识。方法回顾性分析由手术及病理证实的8例AAH的影像表现，所有患者均摄X线胸片并经高分辨率CT（HRCT）及增强扫描，均为女性，中位年龄56岁。由影像科医师及病理科医师共同阅片，将影像学结果与病理学结果进行对照分析。结果胸部正侧位片3例未检出病变，5例参照CT可以辨别出小类结节或淡片影。CT8例均见肺结节影，其中右肺上叶4例，右肺中叶1例，右肺下叶1例，左肺上叶2例。最大20．0mm×18．1mm，最小5．0mm×4．1mm。HRCT均为非实性结节，密度不均匀，平均CT值最高为一-362．7HU，最低为-485．6HU，平均为（-423．0±47．0）HU；4例可见空气支气管征、空泡。病变均为类圆形，边界较清晰，边缘有浅分叶者2例。未见毛刺征和胸膜牵拉征。镜下表现为结节边界清楚，与周围肺组织分界明显；肺泡间隔轻度增厚，上皮细胞沿肺泡间隔增生，细胞间排列紧密，但无重叠及挤压；核质比例轻度失调，有轻度异形性。结论有助于AAH影像诊断的指标为：（1）偶尔发现的肺结节，无症状；（2）病变通常直径≤10mm；（3）HRCT表现为非实性结节，可有空泡或空气支气管征；（4）HRCT无毛刺征和胸膜牵拉征等表现。最终确诊仍需组织学证据。     

肺癌侵犯肺静脉干的CT,MRI表现及与病理的相关性研究

目的：探讨肺癌侵犯肺静脉干（ｐｕｌｍｏｎａｒｙｖｅｎｏｕｓｔｒｕｎｋ，ＰＶＴ）的病理方式及其与ＣＴ、ＭＲＩ表现的相关性。材料和方法：观察３１例肺癌侵犯ＰＶＴ的大体及显微病理改变，盲法判断ＣＴ、ＭＲＩ表现并与病理对照。结果：病理表现分为三组：５例癌肿与管壁一侧相贴，主要侵犯外膜；１６例癌肿沿管壁环形堆积式浸润；１０例癌肿沿管壁长轴匍匐式浸润。ＣＴ、ＭＲＩ表现亦分为三组：肿块与一侧管壁相贴，管腔通畅；肿块包埋ＰＶＴ，管腔狭窄或闭塞；肿块位于心包外段，同时心包内段ＰＶＴ增粗、信号异常。ＣＴ、ＭＲＩ征象与病理表现Ｋａｐｐａ值各为０．３７及１．００。结论：肺癌以相贴、环形堆积浸润、纵向匍匐浸润等方式侵犯ＰＶＴ，ＭＲＩ征象与之密切相关。因此，ＭＲＩ是术前判断癌肿侵犯ＰＶＴ方式的重要手段。