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Published on: May 19, 2023
Recommendations for Measuring Pulmonary Nodules at CT: A Statement from the Fleischner Society
Alexander A Bankier1, Heber MacMahon1, Jin Mo Goo1
1From the Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215 (A.A.B.); Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill (H.M.); Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea (J.M.G.); Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC (G.D.R.); Department of Radiology, Meander Medical Centre Amersfoort, Amersfoort, the Netherlands (C.M.S.); and Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Medical Center/Tisch Hospital, New York, NY (D.P.N.).
These Fleischner Society guidelines provide standardized recommendations for measuring pulmonary nodules on computed tomography (CT) scans. Accurate nodule size measurement is crucial for effective lung nodule management and patient care.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Pulmonary nodules are frequently detected on computed tomography (CT).
- Nodule size is a critical factor in current lung nodule management guidelines.
- Standardized measurement techniques are essential for consistent clinical decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide updated, evidence-based recommendations for measuring pulmonary nodules at CT.
- To address practical questions arising in routine clinical practice regarding nodule measurement.
- To offer guidance on technical requirements, workstation measurement, and reporting of nodule size and changes.
Main Methods:
- Development of recommendations by a multidisciplinary international Fleischner Society expert panel.
- Review of available scientific literature on pulmonary nodule measurement.
- Consensus-based approach to address practical clinical questions.
Main Results:
- The recommendations cover technical requirements for accurate CT nodule measurement.
- Detailed guidance is provided on measuring nodule size at the workstation.
- Standardized reporting of nodule size and changes is outlined.
Conclusions:
- These recommendations aim to improve the accuracy and consistency of pulmonary nodule measurements in clinical practice.
- Adherence to these guidelines can enhance the reliability of nodule management strategies.
- Areas of uncertainty and future research needs in nodule measurement are identified.
