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[High-resolution computerized tomography in diffuse forms of bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma]
L Dellafiore1, B Tagliaferri, R Bianco
1Servizio di Radiologia e Diagnostica per Immagini, Ospedale Luigi Sacco, Milano.
La Radiologia Medica
|December 1, 1996
Summary
High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) effectively identifies early-stage bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC), a rare lung cancer. HRCT reveals key signs like ground-glass opacity and consolidation, aiding diagnosis when chest X-rays are insufficient.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a rare lung neoplasm with varied radiologic presentations.
- Early detection of BAC is challenging due to its subtle appearance on standard chest radiography.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the diverse patterns of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, focusing on the diffuse form.
- To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) for early BAC identification.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of HRCT scans from 11 patients with multifocal bronchioloalveolar carcinoma.
- Identification and documentation of specific HRCT imaging features associated with BAC.
Main Results:
- Ground-glass opacity (8/11) and alveolar consolidation (6/11) were key HRCT findings.
- Lesions were frequently bilateral (8/11), with abnormal mediastinal lymph nodes in 5/11 cases.
- Air bronchograms were present in all ground-glass opacities and 5/11 consolidations.
Conclusions:
- HRCT is a valuable tool for diagnosing early-stage BAC, often missed on conventional radiography.
- HRCT aids in differentiating BAC from other diffuse lung diseases with similar consolidation patterns.