Solitary peribronchiolar metaplasia showing a sub-solid nodule on computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Recent advancements in radiographic imaging and thoracic surgery enable the surgical resection of small lung tumors without a preceding pathological diagnosis.
• This approach aims to streamline treatment pathways for peripheral lung lesions.

Observation:

• Two cases involved small lung tumors presenting as sub-solid nodules on computed tomography (CT) scans in the peripheral lung.
• These lesions were surgically resected without prior pathological confirmation of malignancy.

Findings:

• Post-operative pathological examination revealed both tumors to be peribronchiolar metaplasia.
• This represents a benign condition, not a malignant tumor.

Implications:

• This case series highlights the potential for benign conditions like peribronchiolar metaplasia to mimic malignant lung nodules on CT.
• It underscores the importance of integrating imaging findings with clinical context in surgical decision-making for small lung nodules.
• The solitary presentation of peribronchiolar metaplasia as a sub-solid nodule on CT is a novel finding, expanding the differential diagnosis for such imaging characteristics.