Neurofibromatosis type 1: evaluation by chest computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate chest computed tomography (CT) findings in patients diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study in which we reviewed the chest CT scans of 14 patients diagnosed with NF1 and neurofibromatosis-associated diffuse lung disease (NF-DLD). The sample comprised eight women and six men. The median age was 55 years (range, 11-75 years). The diagnosis of NF1 was made on the basis of the diagnostic criteria established by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The images were analyzed by two chest radiologists, who reached decisions by consensus. RESULTS: The predominant CT finding of NF-DLD was multiple cysts, which were observed in 13 patients (92.9%), followed by emphysema, in eight (57.1%) and subpleural bullae, in six (42.9%). Other findings included subcutaneous neurofibromas, in 12 patients (85.7%), ground-glass opacities, in one (7.1%), and tracheobronchial neurofibromas, in one (7.1%). The pulmonary abnormalities were bilateral in 12 cases (85.7%). The abnormalities were predominantly in the upper lung fields in eight cases (57.1%), and their distribution was random in 11 (78.6%). CONCLUSION: Pulmonary cysts, emphysema, and subpleural bullae appear to be the chest CT findings that are most characteristic of NF-DLD.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os achados pulmonares na tomografia computadorizada do tórax de pacientes diagnosticados com neurofibromatose tipo 1 (NF1). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram revisados, retrospectivamente, os achados tomográficos de 14 pacientes com doença pulmonar difusa associada à NF1 (NF-DPD). A amostra incluiu oito mulheres e seis homens, com idade entre 11 e 75 anos (mediana de idade de 55 anos). O diagnóstico foi estabelecido com base em critérios diagnósticos predeterminados pelo National Institutes of Health dos Estados Unidos. As imagens foram analisadas de forma independente por dois radiologistas, que chegaram a um consenso. RESULTADOS: Os achados tomográficos predominantes foram múltiplos cistos em 13 pacientes (92,9%), enfisema em oito (57,1%) e bolhas subpleurais em seis (42,9%). Achados associados incluíram neurofibromas cutâneos e subcutâneos em 12 pacientes (85,7%), opacidades em vidro fosco em um (7,1%) e neurofibromas traqueobrônquicos em um (7,1%). As anormalidades pulmonares foram bilaterais em 12 casos (85,7%). Houve predomínio nos terços superiores em oito (57,1%) pacientes e se distribuíram randomicamente pelos pulmões em 11 (78,6%). CONCLUSÃO: Os achados tomográficos pulmonares mais frequentes na NF-DPD foram os cistos pulmonares, o enfisema e as bolhas subpleurais.

Neurofibromatosis type 1: evaluation by chest computed tomography / Neurofibromatose tipo 1: estudo por tomografia computadorizada do tórax

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate chest computed tomography (CT) findings in patients diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Material and Methods: This was a retrospective study in which we reviewed the chest CT scans of 14 patients diagnosed with NF1 and neurofibromatosis-associated diffuse lung disease (NF-DLD). The sample comprised eight women and six men. The median age was 55 years (range, 11-75 years). The diagnosis of NF1 was made on the basis of the diagnostic criteria established by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The images were analyzed by two chest radiologists, who reached decisions by consensus. Results: The predominant CT finding of NF-DLD was multiple cysts, which were observed in 13 patients (92.9%), followed by emphysema, in eight (57.1%) and subpleural bullae, in six (42.9%). Other findings included subcutaneous neurofibromas, in 12 patients (85.7%), ground-glass opacities, in one (7.1%), and tracheobronchial neurofibromas, in one (7.1%). The pulmonary abnormalities were bilateral in 12 cases (85.7%). The abnormalities were predominantly in the upper lung fields in eight cases (57.1%), and their distribution was random in 11 (78.6%). Conclusion: Pulmonary cysts, emphysema, and subpleural bullae appear to be the chest CT findings that are most characteristic of NF-DLD.

Resumo Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os achados pulmonares na tomografia computadorizada do tórax de pacientes diagnosticados com neurofibromatose tipo 1 (NF1). Materiais e Métodos Foram revisados, retrospectivamente, os achados tomográficos de 14 pacientes com doença pulmonar difusa associada à NF1 (NF-DPD). A amostra incluiu oito mulheres e seis homens, com idade entre 11 e 75 anos (mediana de idade de 55 anos). O diagnóstico foi estabelecido com base em critérios diagnósticos predeterminados pelo National Institutes of Health dos Estados Unidos. As imagens foram analisadas de forma independente por dois radiologistas, que chegaram a um consenso. Resultados: Os achados tomográficos predominantes foram múltiplos cistos em 13 pacientes (92,9%), enfisema em oito (57,1%) e bolhas subpleurais em seis (42,9%). Achados associados incluíram neurofibromas cutâneos e subcutâneos em 12 pacientes (85,7%), opacidades em vidro fosco em um (7,1%) e neurofibromas traqueobrônquicos em um (7,1%). As anormalidades pulmonares foram bilaterais em 12 casos (85,7%). Houve predomínio nos terços superiores em oito (57,1%) pacientes e se distribuíram randomicamente pelos pulmões em 11 (78,6%). Conclusão: Os achados tomográficos pulmonares mais frequentes na NF-DPD foram os cistos pulmonares, o enfisema e as bolhas subpleurais.

Tomographic findings in bronchial atresia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate computed tomography (CT) findings in 23 patients with bronchial atresia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CT images were reviewed by two radiologists who reached decisions by consensus. We included only patients who presented with abnormalities on CT and in whom the diagnosis had been confirmed by pathological examination of the surgical specimen (if the lesion was resected). The CT scans were assessed in order to identify the main findings and to map the distribution of the lesions (i.e., to determine whether the pulmonary involvement was unilateral or bilateral). RESULTS: The main CT finding was the combination of bronchocele and hyperinflation of the distal lung. That combination was observed in all of the patients. The lesions were unilateral in all 23 cases, being seen predominantly in the left upper lobe, followed by the right lower lobe, right upper lobe, middle lobe, and left lower lobe. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of bronchial atresia can be reliably made on the basis of a finding of bronchocele accompanied by hyperinflation of the adjacent lung parenchyma.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os achados na tomografia computadorizada (TC) de tórax de 23 pacientes com atresia brônquica. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: As imagens de TC foram avaliadas por dois observadores e os casos discordantes foram resolvidos por consenso. Os critérios de inclusão foram a presença de anormalidades na TC compatíveis com atresia brônquica e/ou diagnóstico confirmado por exame anatomopatológico das peças cirúrgicas para os pacientes submetidos a ressecção cirúrgica. As TCs foram avaliadas quanto aos principais achados de imagem, à distribuição das lesões, ao envolvimento pulmonar unilateral ou bilateral. RESULTADOS: Os principais achados na TC foram a presença de broncocele, hiperinsuflação do parênquima pulmonar ou ambos. A combinação desses achados foi encontrada em todos os pacientes. Em relação à distribuição, o envolvimento foi unilateral nos 23 casos. Quando se consideraram os lobos mais acometidos, o lobo superior esquerdo foi o mais acometido, seguido do lobo inferior direito, lobo superior direito, lobo médio e lobo inferior esquerdo. CONCLUSÃO: O diagnóstico de atresia brônquica pode ser feito em presença de broncocele associada com hiperinsuflação do parênquima pulmonar adjacente.

Tomographic findings in bronchial atresia / Achados tomográficos na atresia brônquica

Abstract Objective: To evaluate computed tomography (CT) findings in 23 patients with bronchial atresia. Materials and Methods: The CT images were reviewed by two radiologists who reached decisions by consensus. We included only patients who presented with abnormalities on CT and in whom the diagnosis had been confirmed by pathological examination of the surgical specimen (if the lesion was resected). The CT scans were assessed in order to identify the main findings and to map the distribution of the lesions (i.e., to determine whether the pulmonary involvement was unilateral or bilateral). Results: The main CT finding was the combination of bronchocele and hyperinflation of the distal lung. That combination was observed in all of the patients. The lesions were unilateral in all 23 cases, being seen predominantly in the left upper lobe, followed by the right lower lobe, right upper lobe, middle lobe, and left lower lobe. Conclusion: The diagnosis of bronchial atresia can be reliably made on the basis of a finding of bronchocele accompanied by hyperinflation of the adjacent lung parenchyma.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar os achados na tomografia computadorizada (TC) de tórax de 23 pacientes com atresia brônquica. Materiais e Métodos: As imagens de TC foram avaliadas por dois observadores e os casos discordantes foram resolvidos por consenso. Os critérios de inclusão foram a presença de anormalidades na TC compatíveis com atresia brônquica e/ou diagnóstico confirmado por exame anatomopatológico das peças cirúrgicas para os pacientes submetidos a ressecção cirúrgica. As TCs foram avaliadas quanto aos principais achados de imagem, à distribuição das lesões, ao envolvimento pulmonar unilateral ou bilateral. Resultados: Os principais achados na TC foram a presença de broncocele, hiperinsuflação do parênquima pulmonar ou ambos. A combinação desses achados foi encontrada em todos os pacientes. Em relação à distribuição, o envolvimento foi unilateral nos 23 casos. Quando se consideraram os lobos mais acometidos, o lobo superior esquerdo foi o mais acometido, seguido do lobo inferior direito, lobo superior direito, lobo médio e lobo inferior esquerdo. Conclusão: O diagnóstico de atresia brônquica pode ser feito em presença de broncocele associada com hiperinsuflação do parênquima pulmonar adjacente.

Neurofibromatosis type 1: State-of-the-art review with emphasis on pulmonary involvement.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1), also known as von Recklinghausen's disease, is an autosomal dominant dysplasia of the ectoderm and mesoderm with a variable clinical expression, but near-complete penetrance before the age of 5 years. The estimated incidence is 1 in 3000 births. NF-1 is characterized by collections of neurofibromas, café-au-lait spots, axillary and inguinal freckling, and pigmented hamartomas in the iris (Lisch nodules). Pulmonary manifestations of NF-1, which usually include bilateral basal reticulations and apical bullae and cysts, are reported in 10-20% of adult patients. Clinically, neurofibromatosis-associated diffuse lung disease (NF-DLD) usually presents with nonspecific respiratory symptoms, including dyspnea on exertion, shortness of breath, and chronic cough or chest pain, at the time of diagnosis. Computed tomography (CT) is highly accurate for the identification and characterization of NF-DLD; it is the most reliable method for the diagnosis of this lung involvement. Various CT findings of NF-DLD, including cysts, bullae, ground-glass opacities, bibasilar reticular opacities, and emphysema, have been described in patients with NF-1. The typical CT pattern, however, is characterized by upper-lobe cystic and bullous disease, and basilar interstitial lung disease. Currently, the goal of NF-DLD treatment is the earliest possible diagnosis, focusing on symptom relief and interventions that positively alter the course of the disease, such as smoking cessation. The aim of this review is to describe the main clinical, pathological, and imaging aspects of NF-1, with a focus on pulmonary involvement.

Laryngotracheobronchial papillomatosis: chest CT findings / Papilomatose laringotraqueobrônquica: avaliação por TC de tórax

ABSTRACT To evaluate the findings on chest CTs in 16 patients (8 men and 8 women) with laryngotracheobronchial papillomatosis. Methods: This was a retrospective study involving patients ranging from 2 to 72 years of age. The evaluation of the CT scans was independently performed by two observers, and discordant results were resolved by consensus. The inclusion criteria were presence of abnormalities on the CT scans, and the diagnosis was confirmed by anatomopathological examination of the papillomatous lesions. Results: The most common symptoms were hoarseness, cough, dyspnea, and recurrent respiratory infections. The major CT findings were nodular formations in the trachea, solid or cavitated nodules in the lung parenchyma, air trapping, masses, and consolidation. Nodular formations in the trachea were observed in 14 patients (87.5%). Only 2 patients had lesions in lung parenchyma without tracheal involvement. Only 1 patient had no pulmonary dissemination of the disease, showing airway involvement only. Solid and cavitated lung nodules were observed in 14 patients (87.5%) and 13 (81.2%), respectively. Masses were observed in 6 patients (37.5%); air trapping, in 3 (18.7%); consolidation in 3 (18.7%); and pleural effusion, in 1 (6.3%). Pulmonary involvement was bilateral in all cases. Conclusions: The most common tomography findings were nodular formations in the trachea, as well as solid or cavitated nodules and masses in the lung parenchyma. Malignant transformation of the lesions was observed in 5 cases.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os achados em TCs de tórax em 16 pacientes (8 homens e 8 mulheres) com papilomatose laringotraqueobrônquica. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo que incluiu pacientes com idade variando de 2 a 72 anos. As imagens de TC foram avaliadas por dois observadores, de forma independente, e os casos discordantes foram resolvidos por consenso. Os critérios de inclusão foram presença de anormalidades na TC, e o diagnóstico foi confirmado por exame anatomopatológico das lesões papilomatosas. Resultados: Os sintomas mais frequentes foram rouquidão, tosse, dispneia e infecções respiratórias de repetição. Os principais achados na TC foram formações nodulares na traqueia, nódulos sólidos e/ou escavados no parênquima pulmonar, aprisionamento aéreo, massas e consolidação. Formações nodulares na traqueia foram observadas em 14 pacientes. Somente 2 pacientes apresentaram lesões parenquimatosas pulmonares na ausência de acometimento traqueal, e 1 paciente não apresentou disseminação pulmonar da doença, somente comprometimento de via aérea. Nódulos sólidos no parênquima pulmonar foram observados em 14 pacientes (87,5%) e nódulos escavados em 13 (81,2%). Massas foram observadas em 6 pacientes (37,5%); aprisionamento aéreo, em 3 (18,7%); consolidação, em 3 (18,7%); e derrame pleural, em 1 (6,3%). O comprometimento pulmonar foi bilateral em todos os pacientes. Conclusões: Os achados tomográficos mais frequentes foram formações nodulares na traqueia, nódulos sólidos e/ou escavados no parênquima pulmonar e massas parenquimatosas. A transformação maligna das lesões foi observada em 5 casos.

Laryngotracheobronchial papillomatosis: chest CT findings.

To evaluate the findings on chest CTs in 16 patients (8 men and 8 women) with laryngotracheobronchial papillomatosis. This was a retrospective study involving patients ranging from 2 to 72 years of age. The evaluation of the CT scans was independently performed by two observers, and discordant results were resolved by consensus. The inclusion criteria were presence of abnormalities on the CT scans, and the diagnosis was confirmed by anatomopathological examination of the papillomatous lesions. The most common symptoms were hoarseness, cough, dyspnea, and recurrent respiratory infections. The major CT findings were nodular formations in the trachea, solid or cavitated nodules in the lung parenchyma, air trapping, masses, and consolidation. Nodular formations in the trachea were observed in 14 patients (87.5%). Only 2 patients had lesions in lung parenchyma without tracheal involvement. Only 1 patient had no pulmonary dissemination of the disease, showing airway involvement only. Solid and cavitated lung nodules were observed in 14 patients (87.5%) and 13 (81.2%), respectively. Masses were observed in 6 patients (37.5%); air trapping, in 3 (18.7%); consolidation in 3 (18.7%); and pleural effusion, in 1 (6.3%). Pulmonary involvement was bilateral in all cases. The most common tomography findings were nodular formations in the trachea, as well as solid or cavitated nodules and masses in the lung parenchyma. Malignant transformation of the lesions was observed in 5 cases.

Thoracic lymphadenopathy in benign diseases: A state of the art review.

Lymphadenopathy is a common radiological finding in many thoracic diseases and may be caused by a variety of infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions. This review aims to describe the patterns of mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy found in benign diseases in immunocompetent patients. Computed tomography is the method of choice for the evaluation of lymphadenopathy, as it is able to demonstrate increased size of individual nodes, abnormalities of the interface between the mediastinum and lung, invasion of surrounding fat, coalescence of adjacent nodes, obliteration of the mediastinal fat, and hypo- and hyperdensity in lymph nodes. Intravenous contrast enhancement may be needed to help distinguish nodes from vessels. The most frequent infections resulting in this finding are tuberculosis and fungal disease (particularly histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis). Sarcoidosis is a relatively frequent cause of lymphadenopathy in young adults, and can be distinguished from other diseases - especially when enlarged lymph nodes are found to be multiple and symmetrical. Other conditions discussed in this review are silicosis, drug reactions, amyloidosis, heart failure, Castleman's disease, viral infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chest magnetic resonance imaging: a protocol suggestion / Ressonância magnética do tórax: sugestão de protocolo

Abstract In the recent years, with the development of ultrafast sequences, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been established as a valuable diagnostic modality in body imaging. Because of improvements in speed and image quality, MRI is now ready for routine clinical use also in the study of pulmonary diseases. The main advantage of MRI of the lungs is its unique combination of morphological and functional assessment in a single imaging session. In this article, the authors review most technical aspects and suggest a protocol for performing chest MRI. The authors also describe the three major clinical indications for MRI of the lungs: staging of lung tumors; evaluation of pulmonary vascular diseases; and investigation of pulmonary abnormalities in patients who should not be exposed to radiation.

Resumo Nos últimos anos, com o desenvolvimento de sequências ultrarrápidas, a ressonância magnética (RM) tem-se estabelecido como uma ferramenta de diagnóstico por imagem de grande valor. Em virtude dos aperfeiçoamentos na velocidade de aquisição e na qualidade das imagens, a RM é atualmente um método apropriado também para o estudo de doenças pulmonares. A principal vantagem da RM é sua combinação única que permite avaliação morfológica e funcional em um mesmo exame de imagem. Neste artigo iremos revisar aspectos técnicos e sugerir um protocolo para a realização de RM do tórax. Também serão descritas as três maiores indicações de RM do tórax: estadiamento para neoplasia pulmonar, avaliação de doença vascular do pulmão e investigação de doenças pulmonares em pacientes que não devem ser expostos à radiação ionizante.

Non-Aspergillus fungal rhinosinusitis at a tertiary care hospital and the first report of human infection by Trichoderma asperellum

We describe 27 cases of fungal rhinosinusitis, which were caused by agents other than Aspergillus, diagnosed at our institution during a 24-year period. Particular focus was on defining the causal fungi and the predisposing factors. Fungal cultures were obtained from 20 cases and there was no growth in seven cases. Classification of mycotic disease of the nose and paranasal sinuses as invasive and noninvasive is based on clinical, radiological, and histopathological factors. The most common pathogens were Histoplasma capsulatum (n=4), Scedosporium apiospermum (n=2), Alternaria alternata (n=2), Schizophyllum commune (n=2), Pseudallescheria boydii (n=1), Penicillium sp. (n=1), Lichtheimia (Absidia) corymbifera (n=1), Xylaria enteroleuca (n=1), Trichoderma asperellum (n=1), T. harzianum (n=1), T. viride (n=1), Fusarium solani (n=1), Cladosporium sp. (n=1), and Cryptococcus neoformans (n=1). From the ones that revealed no growth, four were classified as hyalohyphomycosis and three were mucormycosis by the histopathological findings. In addition, we describe the first welldocumented case of rhinosinusitis and human infection by T. asperellum.

Cocaine-induced pulmonary changes: HRCT findings.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate HRCT scans of the chest in 22 patients with cocaine-induced pulmonary disease. METHODS: We included patients between 19 and 52 years of age. The HRCT scans were evaluated by two radiologists independently, discordant results being resolved by consensus. The inclusion criterion was an HRCT scan showing abnormalities that were temporally related to cocaine use, with no other apparent causal factors. RESULTS: In 8 patients (36.4%), the clinical and tomographic findings were consistent with "crack lung", those cases being studied separately. The major HRCT findings in that subgroup of patients included ground-glass opacities, in 100% of the cases; consolidations, in 50%; and the halo sign, in 25%. In 12.5% of the cases, smooth septal thickening, paraseptal emphysema, centrilobular nodules, and the tree-in-bud pattern were identified. Among the remaining 14 patients (63.6%), barotrauma was identified in 3 cases, presenting as pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and hemopneumothorax, respectively. Talcosis, characterized as perihilar conglomerate masses, architectural distortion, and emphysema, was diagnosed in 3 patients. Other patterns were found less frequently: organizing pneumonia and bullous emphysema, in 2 patients each; and pulmonary infarction, septic embolism, eosinophilic pneumonia, and cardiogenic pulmonary edema, in 1 patient each. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary changes induced by cocaine use are varied and nonspecific. The diagnostic suspicion of cocaine-induced pulmonary disease depends, in most of the cases, on a careful drawing of correlations between clinical and radiological findings.

Cocaine-induced pulmonary changes: HRCT findings / Alterações pulmonares induzidas pelo uso de cocaína: avaliação por TCAR de tórax

AbstractObjective: To evaluate HRCT scans of the chest in 22 patients with cocaine-induced pulmonary disease.Methods: We included patients between 19 and 52 years of age. The HRCT scans were evaluated by two radiologists independently, discordant results being resolved by consensus. The inclusion criterion was an HRCT scan showing abnormalities that were temporally related to cocaine use, with no other apparent causal factors.Results:In 8 patients (36.4%), the clinical and tomographic findings were consistent with "crack lung", those cases being studied separately. The major HRCT findings in that subgroup of patients included ground-glass opacities, in 100% of the cases; consolidations, in 50%; and the halo sign, in 25%. In 12.5% of the cases, smooth septal thickening, paraseptal emphysema, centrilobular nodules, and the tree-in-bud pattern were identified. Among the remaining 14 patients (63.6%), barotrauma was identified in 3 cases, presenting as pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and hemopneumothorax, respectively. Talcosis, characterized as perihilar conglomerate masses, architectural distortion, and emphysema, was diagnosed in 3 patients. Other patterns were found less frequently: organizing pneumonia and bullous emphysema, in 2 patients each; and pulmonary infarction, septic embolism, eosinophilic pneumonia, and cardiogenic pulmonary edema, in 1 patient each.Conclusions: Pulmonary changes induced by cocaine use are varied and nonspecific. The diagnostic suspicion of cocaine-induced pulmonary disease depends, in most of the cases, on a careful drawing of correlations between clinical and radiological findings.

ResumoObjetivo:Avaliar achados em TCAR de tórax de 22 pacientes com doença pulmonar induzida pelo uso de cocaína.Métodos:Foram incluídos pacientes com idades variando de 19 a 52 anos. As TCAR foram avaliadas por dois radiologistas, de forma independente, e os casos discordantes foram resolvidos por consenso. O critério de inclusão foi a presença de anormalidades na TCAR temporalmente relacionadas ao uso de cocaína, sem outros fatores causais justificáveis.Resultados:Oito pacientes (36,4%) apresentavam quadro clínico-tomográfico compatível com "pulmão de crack", e esses casos foram estudados separadamente. Os achados tomográficos predominantes nesse subgrupo de pacientes foram opacidades em vidro fosco, em 100% dos casos; consolidações, em 50%; e sinal do halo, em 25%. Em 12,5% dos casos, observou-se espessamento septal liso, enfisema parasseptal, nódulos centrolobulares e padrão de árvore em brotamento. Dentre os outros 14 pacientes (63,6%), observou-se barotrauma em 3 casos, apresentando-se como pneumomediastino, pneumotórax, e hemopneumotórax, respectivamente. Talcose foi diagnosticada em 3 pacientes, caracterizada como massas conglomeradas peri-hilares, distorção arquitetural e enfisema. Outros padrões encontrados com menor frequência foram pneumonia em organização e enfisema bolhoso, observados em 2 pacientes cada; e infarto pulmonar, embolia séptica, pneumonia eosinofílica e edema pulmonar cardiogênico, em 1 paciente cada.Conclusões:As alterações pulmonares induzidas pelo uso de cocaína são múltiplas e inespecíficas, e sua suspeita diagnóstica depende, na maioria dos casos, de uma cuidadosa correlação clínico-radiológica.

Organizing pneumonia: chest HRCT findings.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of HRCT findings and their distribution in the lung parenchyma of patients with organizing pneumonia. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of the HRCT scans of 36 adult patients (26 females and 10 males) with biopsy-proven organizing pneumonia. The patients were between 19 and 82 years of age (mean age, 56.2 years). The HRCT images were evaluated by two independent observers, discordant interpretations being resolved by consensus. RESULTS: The most common HRCT finding was that of ground-glass opacities, which were seen in 88.9% of the cases. The second most common finding was consolidation (in 83.3% of cases), followed by peribronchovascular opacities (in 52.8%), reticulation (in 38.9%), bronchiectasis (in 33.3%), interstitial nodules (in 27.8%), interlobular septal thickening (in 27.8%), perilobular pattern (in 22.2%), the reversed halo sign (in 16.7%), airspace nodules (in 11.1%), and the halo sign (in 8.3%). The lesions were predominantly bilateral, the middle and lower lung fields being the areas most commonly affected. CONCLUSIONS: Ground-glass opacities and consolidation were the most common findings, with a predominantly random distribution, although they were more common in the middle and lower thirds of the lungs.

PET/CT imaging in lung cancer: indications and findings.

The use of PET/CT imaging in the work-up and management of patients with lung cancer has greatly increased in recent decades. The ability to combine functional and anatomical information has equipped PET/CT to look into various aspects of lung cancer, allowing more precise disease staging and providing useful data during the characterization of indeterminate pulmonary nodules. In addition, the accuracy of PET/CT has been shown to be greater than is that of conventional modalities in some scenarios, making PET/CT a valuable noninvasive method for the investigation of lung cancer. However, the interpretation of PET/CT findings presents numerous pitfalls and potential confounders. Therefore, it is imperative for pulmonologists and radiologists to familiarize themselves with the most relevant indications for and limitations of PET/CT, seeking to protect their patients from unnecessary radiation exposure and inappropriate treatment. This review article aimed to summarize the basic principles, indications, cancer staging considerations, and future applications related to the use of PET/CT in lung cancer.

PET/CT imaging in lung cancer: indications and findings / PET/TC em câncer de pulmão: indicações e achados

The use of PET/CT imaging in the work-up and management of patients with lung cancer has greatly increased in recent decades. The ability to combine functional and anatomical information has equipped PET/CT to look into various aspects of lung cancer, allowing more precise disease staging and providing useful data during the characterization of indeterminate pulmonary nodules. In addition, the accuracy of PET/CT has been shown to be greater than is that of conventional modalities in some scenarios, making PET/CT a valuable noninvasive method for the investigation of lung cancer. However, the interpretation of PET/CT findings presents numerous pitfalls and potential confounders. Therefore, it is imperative for pulmonologists and radiologists to familiarize themselves with the most relevant indications for and limitations of PET/CT, seeking to protect their patients from unnecessary radiation exposure and inappropriate treatment. This review article aimed to summarize the basic principles, indications, cancer staging considerations, and future applications related to the use of PET/CT in lung cancer.

O uso de PET/TC na avaliação e manejo de pacientes com câncer de pulmão aumentou substantivamente durante as últimas décadas. A capacidade de combinar informações funcionais e anatômicas permite a PET/TC analisar diversos aspectos do câncer de pulmão, desde um estadiamento mais preciso da doença até a capacidade de prover dados úteis na caracterização de nódulos pulmonares indeterminados. Além disso, a acurácia de PET/TC tem se demonstrado maior do que a de modalidades convencionais em alguns cenários, tornando a PET/CT um valioso método não invasivo para a investigação de câncer de pulmão. Entretanto, a interpretação dos achados de PET/TC apresenta numerosas armadilhas e potenciais fatores de confusão. Portanto, é imperativo que pneumologistas e radiologistas familiarizem-se com as principais indicações e limitações desse método, com o intuito de proteger os pacientes da exposição desnecessária à radiação e de terapias inapropriadas. Este artigo de revisão objetivou sumarizar os princípios básicos, indicações, considerações sobre o estadiamento tumoral e futuras aplicações de PET/TC em câncer de pulmão.