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Author Spotlight: A 3D Digital Model for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Nodules
Published on: May 19, 2023
Clinical, pathological and radiologic features of minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules
Zhexu Wen1,2,3,4, Yang Zhang1,2,3,4, Fangqiu Fu1,2,3,4
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong-An Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China.
Objectives:
Reports about the radiologic features of minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules are sparse. This study aims to investigate the radiologic features of minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules.
Method:
From January 2016 to April 2019, 7589 patients underwent pulmonary resections at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. Postoperative pathology records were reviewed retrospectively. Fifty-nine patients with minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodule were included. The identification of minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules in pathology specimen included pathologically confirmed in resected nodules, and discovery in the peripheral tissue of other resected nodules incidentally. We went back and checked all the pre-operative scans of patients to analyze surgical decision and observe any change of visible minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodule over time. Clinic, radiologic and pathological features were collected.
Result:
Fifty-nine patients included 10 men and 49 women, with a mean age of 57.7. Five patients had history, while 54 patients were non-smokers. 79 min pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules was found. Of them, 36 nodules were not visible on computed tomography scan. 43 nodules were visible on computed tomography scan, with an average size of 5.3 mm in 29 patients. Computed tomography appearance included pure ground-glass opacity in 36, mixed in 2, and solid nodules in 5. Nearly half of patients had a pre-operative follow-up more than 6 months (13/29, 44.8%). The median pre-operative radiologic follow-up was 4.9 months. Approximately 90% of patients underwent pulmonary surgery because of other malignant nodule on chest computed tomography scan (52/59, 88.1%).
Conclusion:
Most minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules tend to present as ground-glass opacity, especially pure ground-glass opacity. Continuous computed tomography monitoring revealed no radiologic change over time. Continuous computed tomography monitoring was necessary part of management of minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodule.
Insights
Minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules often appear as ground-glass opacities on CT scans. Continuous monitoring via computed tomography (CT) is recommended as these nodules show no radiologic changes over time.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules (MPMNs) are rare lung lesions.
- Radiologic features of MPMNs are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the radiologic features of MPMNs.
- To assess the stability of MPMNs over time using computed tomography (CT).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 59 patients with MPMNs identified from pathology records (January 2016 - April 2019).
- Analysis of pre-operative CT scans for nodule visibility, size, and appearance.
- Evaluation of radiologic changes during pre-operative follow-up.
Main Results:
- 79 MPMNs were identified; 36 were not visible on CT, while 43 were visible (average size 5.3 mm).
- Visible MPMNs predominantly appeared as pure ground-glass opacities (36/43).
- No significant radiologic changes were observed in MPMNs during a median follow-up of 4.9 months.
Conclusions:
- MPMNs typically present as ground-glass opacities on CT scans.
- MPMNs demonstrate stability over time without significant radiologic changes.
- Continuous CT monitoring is essential for managing MPMNs.
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