Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
A 3D Digital Model for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Nodules
Published on: May 19, 2023
Natural history and clinical characteristics of pulmonary subsolid nodules in pediatric patients: a cohort study
Insights
Subsolid nodules (SSNs) in children and adolescents require careful monitoring, as approximately 4% showed growth. Individualized follow-up strategies are recommended to balance surveillance and radiation exposure.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pediatric Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Management of subsolid nodules (SSNs) in pediatric patients is controversial.
- Understanding the natural history of SSNs in children is crucial for effective follow-up.
- This study addresses the need for clarity in managing pediatric SSNs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the natural history of subsolid nodules (SSNs) in pediatric patients.
- To provide insights into effective follow-up strategies for pediatric SSNs.
- To evaluate the growth incidence and outcomes of SSNs in individuals aged 18 years or younger.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 105 pediatric patients (≤18 years) with persistent SSNs on CT scans.
- Inclusion criteria: tertiary medical center, no extrapulmonary malignancy.
- Data collected: incidence of interval growth, clinical, radiologic, and pathological features, and follow-up outcomes.
Main Results:
- 141 SSNs (137 pure ground-glass nodules, 4 part-solid nodules) were analyzed.
- 5% of SSNs exhibited interval growth over a median follow-up of 23 months.
- Malignancies (MIA, IVA) were confirmed in growing or resected SSNs.
Conclusions:
- Persistent SSNs in pediatric patients warrant attention.
- Approximately 4% of pediatric SSNs showed growth, necessitating surveillance.
- Individualized, longer-interval surveillance may reduce radiation exposure in pediatric patients.
Background:
The management of subsolid nodules (SSNs) in children and adolescents remains controversial. The aim of this study was clarifying the natural history of SSNs in the pediatric patient population and generate insights into the effective follow-up of these nodules.
Methods:
Patients aged 18 years or younger admitted to a tertiary medical center from July 2010 to June 2025 with persistent SSNs on computed tomography (CT) scans but no extrapulmonary malignancy were retrospectively enrolled and assessed. Retrospective recruitment was performed in September 2025. The data analyzed included the incidence of interval growth; clinical, radiologic, and pathological features; and follow-up outcomes of the SSNs.
Results:
A total of 105 patients (52 females) comprising 141 SSNs [including 137 pure ground-glass nodules (PGGNs) and four part-solid nodules (PSNs)] were analyzed and evaluated. The median follow-up time was 23 months [interquartile range (IQR), 13-36 months]. Of the 141 SSNs, 5 (4%) (3 PGGNs and 2 PSNs) exhibited interval growth. One PSN demonstrated an increase in solid components, was surgically resected, and was pathologically confirmed to be minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA). One PGGN and one PSN exhibited an increase in nodule size, and the PSN was confirmed to be invasive adenocarcinoma (IVA). Two PGGNs grew a small solid component, and one of them was MIA. The interval from initial CT examination to growth in these five SSNs was 12, 17, 20, 37, and 98 months. Ten SSNs (eight PGGNs and two PSNs) in nine stable individuals underwent pulmonary resection, including one IVA, seven MIAs, and two adenocarcinomas in situ. One PGGN underwent microwave ablation.
Conclusions:
Persistent SSNs in pediatric patients should not be overlooked. Approximately 4% of persistent SSNs in children and adolescents showed subsequent growth in our study. The findings suggest that longer interval surveillance may be valuable in pediatric patients, particularly for reducing unnecessary radiation exposure, and management should be performed on an individualized basis.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Other Pulmonary Disorders
01:20Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...