[Contribution of computer tomography to the diagnosis of bronchial carcinoids]

The CT findings in 10 patients with carcinoid tumors of the lung (highly differentiated in 8 cases, undifferentiated in 2 cases) are reported. The tumors were located in the hilar region (n = 4), in the perihilar region (n = 3) and in the periphery of the lung (n = 3). Dystelectasis and atelectasis of the lung with poststenotic inflammation were found in 4 patients. Infiltrating tumor growth with lymph node metastases were detected only once; this tumor was not able to be differentiated from other malignant space occupying lesions. There were no reliable CT criteria for bronchial carcinoids. Compared to conventional radiography the CT examination has the following advantages: better demonstration of size and location of the tumor, and the exclusion of infiltrating tumor growth, enlarged lymph nodes and calcified lung nodules.