J Korean Radiol Soc.  1994 Sep;31(3):457-463.

Solitary Pulmonary Nodule: CT Findings

• Kim SJ
• Ha DH

Abstract

PURPOSE
We evaluated internal and marginal features of solitary pulmonary nodules on CT to differentiate between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules. Materials and Uethods:CT findings of 43 cases with solitary pulmonary nodule were reviewed, restrospectively. Independent T-test between benign and malignant nodules was used.
RESULTS
Twenty-one cases were proved as benign nodules and 22 cases as malignant. CT air bronchogram was observed more frequently in the malignant lesions(36.4%) than in the benign ones (p=0.01). ,Air bubble shadow was observed in 5 cases of benign nodule, whereas none of the malignant lesions revealed it. Internal homogeneity or central low density was not different between the two groups. Cavitation was observed in 3 cases of tuberculoma and in 1 case of adenocarcinoma. Calcification was observed in 7 cases of benign and in 2 cases of malignant lesions. Differences in these two features were not statistically significant Mean size of malignant nodules was 3.23cm, and was larger than 2.16cm of benign nodules (p=0.002). Margin of benign nodules was more smooth (42.9%) than that of malignant nodules (p=0.01), and malignant nodules showed more Iobulated contour (90.9%) than benign nodules (42.9%) (p=0.00). The incidence of spiculation was not significantly different (benign 85.7% vs malignant 86.4%). Statistically, pleural tail and satellite lesions were not significantly different between two groups.
CONCLUSION
Lobulated margin and CT air bronchogram are the most suggestive findings of malignant pulmonary noule on chest CT.

MeSH Terms

Adenocarcinoma
Incidence
Solitary Pulmonary Nodule*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Tuberculoma