Nodular ground-glass opacities on thin-section CT: size change during follow-up and pathological results

To evaluate the inter-group differences in growth and the pathological results of nodular ground-glass opacities (GGOs) according to their size and focal solid portions.

Ninety-six nodular GGOs in 55 individuals followed by CT for at least one month from an initial chest CT were included. Forty nodular GGOs in 30 individuals were pathologically confirmed to be: adenocarcinoma (n = 15), bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) (n = 11), atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) (n = 8), focal interstitial fibrosis (n = 5) and aspergillosis (n = 1). Lesions were categorized based on high-resolution CT findings: pure nodular GGO (PNGGO) < or = 10 mm, PNGGO > 10 mm, mixed nodular GGO (MNGGO) < or = 10 mm, and MNGGO > 10 mm. In each group, the change in size during the follow-up period, the pathological results and the rate of malignancy were evaluated.

Three MNGGO lesions, and none of the PNGGO, grew during the follow-up period. Resected PNGGOs < or = 10 mm were AAH (n = 6), BAC (n = 5), and focal interstitial fibrosis (n = 1). Resected PNGGOs > 10 mm were focal interstitial fibrosis (n = 4), AAH (n = 2), BAC (n = 2), and adenocarcinoma (n = 2). Resected MNGGOs < or = 10 mm were adenocarcinoma (n = 2), and BAC (n = 1). Resected MNGGOs > 10 mm were adenocarcinoma (n = 11), BAC (n = 3), and aspergillosis (n = 1).

Mixed nodular GGOs (MNGGOs) had the potential for growth; most were pathologically adenocarcinoma or BAC. By contrast, PNGGOs were stable for several months to years; most were AAH, BAC, or focal interstitial fibrosis.