Noncalcified pulmonary hamartomas: computed tomography enhancement patterns with histologic correlation.

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Noncalcified hamartomas are benign lung tumors.
• Accurate diagnosis can be challenging.
• Computed tomography (CT) is a key imaging modality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To correlate contrast-enhanced CT findings of noncalcified hamartomas with histologic specimens.
• To identify specific CT enhancement patterns associated with hamartoma histology.

Main Methods:

• Surgical resection of 30 noncalcified hamartomas over 4 years.
• Review of contrast-enhanced CT images.
• Correlation of imaging findings with histopathologic examination.

Main Results:

• Contrast-enhancing septa were observed in 80% of hamartomas.
• Nonspecific enhancement patterns were seen in 15% of cases.
• Air bronchograms were a rare finding (5%), correlating with bronchial epithelium.

Conclusions:

• Specific CT enhancement patterns can aid in diagnosing noncalcified hamartomas.
• Enhancing septa likely represent loose connective tissue.
• Less enhanced areas correspond to cartilaginous tissue.