Malignant and Benign Tracheobronchial Neoplasms: Comprehensive Review with Radiologic, Bronchoscopic, and Pathologic Correlation.

Tracheobronchial neoplasms are much less common than lung parenchymal neoplasms but can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. They include a broad differential of both malignant and benign entities, extending far beyond more commonly known pathologic conditions such as squamous cell carcinoma and carcinoid tumor. Airway lesions may be incidental findings at imaging or manifest with symptoms related to airway narrowing or mucosal irritation, invasion of adjacent structures, or distant metastatic disease. While there is considerable overlap in clinical manifestation, imaging features, and bronchoscopic appearances, an awareness of potential distinguishing factors may help narrow the differential diagnosis. The authors review the epidemiology, imaging characteristics, typical anatomic distributions, bronchoscopic appearances, and histopathologic findings of a wide range of neoplastic entities involving the tracheobronchial tree. Malignant neoplasms discussed include squamous cell carcinoma, malignant salivary gland tumors (adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma), carcinoid tumor, sarcomas, primary tracheobronchial lymphoma, and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. Benign neoplasms discussed include hamartoma, chondroma, lipoma, papilloma, amyloidoma, leiomyoma, neurogenic lesions, and benign salivary gland tumors (pleomorphic adenoma and mucous gland adenoma). Familiarity with the range of potential entities and any distinguishing features should prove valuable to thoracic radiologists, pulmonologists, and cardiothoracic surgeons when encountering the myriad of tracheobronchial neoplasms in clinical practice. Attention is paid to any features that may help render a more specific diagnosis before pathologic confirmation. ©RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.

Simultaneous Evaluation of Lung Anatomy and Ventilation Using 4D Respiratory-Motion-Resolved Ultrashort Echo Time Sparse MRI.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) and spirometry are the current standard methods for assessing lung anatomy and pulmonary ventilation, respectively. However, CT provides limited ventilation information and spirometry only provides global measures of lung ventilation. Thus, a method that can enable simultaneous examination of lung anatomy and ventilation is of clinical interest. PURPOSE: To develop and test a 4D respiratory-resolved sparse lung MRI (XD-UTE: eXtra-Dimensional Ultrashort TE imaging) approach for simultaneous evaluation of lung anatomy and pulmonary ventilation. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. POPULATION: In all, 23 subjects (11 volunteers and 12 patients, mean age = 63.6 ± 8.4). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3T MR; a prototype 3D golden-angle radial UTE sequence, a Cartesian breath-hold volumetric-interpolated examination (BH-VIBE) sequence. ASSESSMENT: All subjects were scanned using the 3D golden-angle radial UTE sequence during normal breathing. Ten subjects underwent an additional scan during alternating normal and deep breathing. Respiratory-motion-resolved sparse reconstruction was performed for all the acquired data to generate dynamic normal-breathing or deep-breathing image series. For comparison, BH-VIBE was performed in 12 subjects. Lung images were visually scored by three experienced chest radiologists and were analyzed by two observers who segmented the left and right lung to derive ventilation parameters in comparison with spirometry. STATISTICAL TESTS: Nonparametric paired two-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test; intraclass correlation coefficient, Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: XD-UTE achieved significantly improved image quality compared both with Cartesian BH-VIBE and radial reconstruction without motion compensation (P < 0.05). The global ventilation parameters (a sum of the left and right lung measures) were in good correlation with spirometry in the same subjects (correlation coefficient = 0.724). There were excellent correlations between the results obtained by two observers (intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.8855-0.9995). DATA CONCLUSION: Simultaneous evaluation of lung anatomy and ventilation using XD-UTE is demonstrated, which have shown good potential for improved diagnosis and management of patients with heterogeneous lung diseases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:411-422.

Smoking-Related Interstitial Lung Disease and Emphysema.

Diagnosis and treatment of patients with smoking-related lung diseases often requires multidisciplinary contributions to optimize care. Imaging plays a key role in characterizing the underlying disease, quantifying its severity, identifying potential complications, and directing management. The primary goal of this article is to provide an overview of the imaging findings and distinguishing features of smoking-related lung diseases, specifically, emphysema/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory bronchiolitis-interstitial lung disease, smoking-related interstitial fibrosis, desquamative interstitial pneumonitis, combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema, pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and E-cigarette or vaping related lung injury.

Diseases Involving the Lung Peribronchovascular Region: A CT Imaging Pathologic Classification.

TOPIC IMPORTANCE: Chest CT imaging holds a major role in the diagnosis of lung diseases, many of which affect the peribronchovascular region. Identification and categorization of peribronchovascular abnormalities on CT imaging can assist in formulating a differential diagnosis and directing further diagnostic evaluation. REVIEW FINDINGS: The peribronchovascular region of the lung encompasses the pulmonary arteries, airways, and lung interstitium. Understanding disease processes associated with structures of the peribronchovascular region and their appearances on CT imaging aids in prompt diagnosis. This article reviews current knowledge in anatomic and pathologic features of the lung interstitium composed of intercommunicating prelymphatic spaces, lymphatics, collagen bundles, lymph nodes, and bronchial arteries; diffuse lung diseases that present in a peribronchovascular distribution; and an approach to classifying diseases according to patterns of imaging presentations. Lung peribronchovascular diseases can appear on CT imaging as diffuse thickening, fibrosis, masses or masslike consolidation, ground-glass or air space consolidation, and cysts, acknowledging some disease may have multiple presentations. SUMMARY: A category approach to peribronchovascular diseases on CT imaging can be integrated with clinical features as part of a multidisciplinary approach for disease diagnosis.

Improved efficiency of CT interpretation using an automated lung nodule matching program.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of an automated program on improvement in lung nodule matching efficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four thoracic radiologists independently reviewed two serial chest CT examinations from each of 57 patients. Each radiologist performed timed manual lung nodule matching. After 6 weeks, all radiologists independently repeated the timed matching portion using an automated nodule matching program. The time required for manual and automated matching was compared. The impact of nodule size and number on matching efficiency was determined. RESULTS: An average of 325 (range, 244-413) noncalcified solid pulmonary nodules was identified. Nodule matching was significantly faster with the automated program irrespective of the interpreting radiologist (p < 0.0001 for each). The maximal time saved with automated matching was 11.4 minutes (mean, 2.3 ± 2.0 minutes). Matching was faster in 56 of 57 cases (98.2%) for three readers and in 46 of 57 cases (80.7%) for one reader. There were no differences among readers with respect to the mean time saved per matched nodule (p > 0.5). The automated program achieved 90%, 90%, 79%, and 92% accuracy for the four readers. The improvement in efficiency for a given patient using the automated technique was proportional to the number of matched nodules (p < 0.0001) and inversely proportional to nodule size (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Use of the automated lung nodule matching program significantly improves diagnostic efficiency. The time saved is proportionate to the number of nodules identified and inversely proportional to nodule size. Adoption of such a program should expedite CT examination interpretation and improve report turnaround time.

Current Imaging of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

The major role of imaging (CT) in usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)/idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is in the initial diagnosis. We propose several modifications to existing guidelines to help improve the accuracy of this diagnosis and to enhance interobserver agreement. CT detects the common complications and associations that occur with UIP/IPF including acute exacerbation, lung cancer, and dendriform pulmonary ossification and is useful in informing prognosis based on baseline fibrosis severity. Serial CT imaging is a topic of great interest; it may identify disease progression before FVC decline or clinical change.

Granulomatous lymphadenitis in the inferior pulmonary ligament.

The inferior pulmonary ligament and related connective tissue septa are a recognizable site of granulomatous lymphadenitis on CT of the chest and may mimic a lung parenchymal lesion. The anatomy of the inferior pulmonary ligament, CT appearances and potential etiologies of this entity are reviewed and illustrated.

Management of Incidental Pulmonary Nodules: Influencing Patient Care Through Subspecialized Imaging Review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether thoracic radiologist review of computed tomography-detected incidental pulmonary nodules initially reported by non-thoracic imagers would change management recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Radiology Consultation Service identified 468 computed tomography scans (one per patient) performed through the adult emergency department from August 2018 through December 2020 that mentioned the presence of a pulmonary nodule. Forty percent (186/468) were read by thoracic radiologists and 60% (282/468) were read by non-thoracic radiologists. The Radiology Consultation Service contacted all patients in order to assess risk factors for lung malignancy. Sixty-seven patients were excluded because they were unreachable, declined participation, or were actively followed by a pulmonologist or oncologist. A thoracic radiologist assessed the nodule and follow up recommendations in all remaining cases. RESULTS: A total of 215 cases were re-reviewed by thoracic radiologists. The thoracic radiologist disagreed with the initial nodule recommendations in 38% (82/215) of cases and agreed in 62% (133/215) of cases. All discordant cases resulted in a change in management by the thoracic radiologist with approximately one-third (33%, 27/82) decreasing imaging utilization and two-thirds (67%, 55/82) increasing imaging utilization. Nodules were deemed benign and follow up eliminated in 11% (9/82) of discordant cases. DISCUSSION: Our study illustrates that nodule review by thoracic radiologists results in a change in management in a large percentage of patients. Continued research is needed to determine whether subspecialty imaging review results in increased or more timely lung cancer detection.

A unique case of unilateral pulmonary edema from partial anomalous pulmonary venous return in conjunction with superior vena cava stenosis.

While PAPVR is most commonly an incidental finding on chest CT, a unique case is presented where PAPVR in conjunction with SVC stenosis resulted in chronic symptomatic asymmetric pulmonary edema. The case reflects an unusual anatomic cause of unilateral edema, as a combination of both congenital and subsequently acquired anatomic anomalies.

CT features of electronic-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI); our experience during the recent outbreak.

As an emerging clinical syndrome, our knowledge of the clinical, pathologic and radiologic features of electronic-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury is evolving. CT appearances are described in six cases imaged at our institution (NYU Langone Health, New York) in the cluster of 2019.

Atypical appearance of elastofibroma dorsi at thoracotomy sites: a case series and review of the literature.

Thus far, only a single case describing an atypical appearance of elastofibroma dorsi at a prior thoracotomy site has been published in the literature. We describe a series of three cases recently imaged at our institution with the same atypical appearance, in order to highlight and increase recognition of this more unusual morphology in post-operative patients.

An Algorithmic Approach to the Interpretation of Diffuse Lung Disease on Chest CT Imaging: A Theory of Almost Everything.

We propose an algorithmic approach to the interpretation of diffuse lung disease on high-resolution CT. Following an initial review of pertinent lung anatomy, the following steps are included. Step 1: a preliminary review of available chest radiographs, including the "scanogram" obtained at the time of the CT examination. Step 2: a review of optimal methods of data acquisition and reconstruction, emphasizing the need for contiguous high-resolution images throughout the entire thorax. Step 3: initial uninterrupted scrolling of contiguous high-resolution images throughout the chest to establish the quality of examination as well as an overview of the presence and extent of disease. Step 4: determination of one of three predominant categories - primarily reticular disease, nodular disease, or diseases associated with diffuse alteration in lung density. Based on this determination, one of the three following Steps are followed: Step 5: evaluation of cases primarily involving diffuse lung reticulation; Step 6: evaluation of cases primarily resulting in diffuse lung nodules; and Step 7: evaluation of cases with diffuse alterations in lung density including those with diffusely diminished lung density vs those with heterogenous or diffusely increased lung density, respectively. It is anticipated that this algorithmic approach will substantially enhance initial interpretations of a wide range of pulmonary disease.

Lung Hyperlucency: A Clinical-Radiologic Algorithmic Approach to Diagnosis.

Areas of diminished lung density are frequently identified both on routine chest radiographs and chest CT examinations. Colloquially referred to as hyperlucent foci of lung, a broad range of underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms and differential diagnoses account for these changes. Despite this, the spectrum of etiologies can be categorized into underlying parenchymal, airway, and vascular-related entities. The purpose of this review is to provide a practical diagnostic algorithmic approach to pulmonary hyperlucencies incorporating clinical history and characteristic imaging patterns to narrow the differential.

Approach to Peribronchovascular Disease on CT.

Diseases that are predominantly peribronchovascular in distribution on computed tomography by definition involve the bronchi, adjacent vasculature, and associated lymphatics involving the central or axial lung interstitium. An understanding of diseases that can present with focal peribronchovascular findings is useful for establishing diagnoses and guiding patient management. This review will cover clinical and imaging features that may assist in differentiating amongst the various causes of primarily peribronchovascular disease.

Pulmonary nodules: detection, assessment, and CAD.

OBJECTIVE: The imaging of pulmonary nodules is an evolving and dynamic field. In this review, we discuss the detection and multitechnique characterization of pulmonary nodules, emphasizing the impact of technological advances on both noninvasive and invasive evaluation and surveillance. The potential contribution of MRI, evolving imaging-guided techniques, and computer applications are also discussed. CONCLUSION: Advances in MDCT and PET and the potential contribution of fast-imaging MRI sequences and computer applications should continue to improve our evaluation of the solitary pulmonary nodule.

Image Quality on Dual-energy CTPA Virtual Monoenergetic Images: Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the optimal photon energy for image quality of the pulmonary arteries (PAs) on dual-energy computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography (CTPA) utilizing low volumes of iodinated contrast. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study received institutional review board exemption and was Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant. Adults (n = 56) who underwent dual-energy CTPA with 50-60 cc of iodinated contrast on a third-generation dual-source multidetector CT were retrospectively and consecutively identified. Twelve virtual monoenergetic kiloelectron volt (keV) image data sets (40-150 keV, 10-keV increments) were generated with a second-generation noise-reducing algorithm. Standard regions of interest were placed on main, right, left, and right interlobar pulmonary arteries; pectoralis muscle; and extrathoracic air. Attenuation [mean CT number (Hounsfield unit, HU)], noise [standard deviation (HU)], signal to noise (SNR), and contrast to noise ratio were evaluated. Three blinded chest radiologists rated (from 1 to 5, with 5 being the best) randomized monoenergetic and weighted-average images for attenuation and noise. P <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Region of interest mean CT number increased as keV decreased, with 40 keV having the highest value (P < .001). Mean SNR was highest for 40-60 keV (P <.05) (14.5-14.7) and was higher (P <.05) than all remaining energies (90-150 keV) for all vessel regions combined. Contrast to noise ratio was highest for 40 keV (P <.001) and decreased as keV increased. SNR was highest at 60 and 70 keV, only slightly higher than 40-50 keV (P <.05). Reader scores for 40-50 keV were greater than other energies and weighted-average images (P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: Kiloelectron volt images of 40-50 keV from the second-generation algorithm optimize attenuation on dual-energy CTPA and can potentially aid in interpretation and avoiding nondiagnostic examinations.

Cavitary Lung Diseases: A Clinical-Radiologic Algorithmic Approach.

Cavities occasionally are encountered on thoracic images. Their differential diagnosis is large and includes, among others, various infections, autoimmune conditions, and primary and metastatic malignancies. We offer an algorithmic approach to their evaluation by initially excluding mimics of cavities and then broadly classifying them according to the duration of clinical symptoms and radiographic abnormalities. An acute or subacute process (< 12 weeks) suggests common bacterial and uncommon nocardial and fungal causes of pulmonary abscesses, necrotizing pneumonias, and septic emboli. A chronic process (≥ 12 weeks) suggests mycobacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic infections; malignancy (primary lung cancer or metastases); or autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis). Although a number of radiographic features can suggest a diagnosis, their lack of specificity requires that imaging findings be combined with the clinical context to make a confident diagnosis.

Radiologic Features of World Trade Center-related Sarcoidosis in Exposed NYC Fire Department Rescue Workers.

PURPOSE: An increased incidence of sarcoidosis has been demonstrated in firefighters, supporting the concern that occupational/environmental exposure may pose an etiologic risk factor. This incidence increased further after September 11, 2001 following exposure to World Trade Center (WTC) dust and gases. We review computed tomography (CT) features in this population, comparing the range of findings and physiological correlates with those typically reported in unexposed individuals with pulmonary sarcoidosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With CT imaging we retrospectively identified 46 patients with WTC-related sarcoidosis, between March 18, 2002 and April 5, 2014. Scans were independently reviewed by 2 dedicated thoracic radiologists and assessed for disease patterns and correlation with pulmonary functions. RESULTS: The majority (37/46; 80%) had symmetric mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy. Similarly, most (38/46; 83%) had perilymphatic nodules. Foci of ill-defined ground glass attenuation were present in 6 (13%). Coalescent nodularity was present in 15 (33%). Only 3 (7%) had parenchymal reticulation. A mixed pattern of lung findings was present in 21 (46%). When all forms of parenchymal disease were scored by zonal distribution, 21 (46%) had parenchymal disease predominantly involving mid and upper lungs; 11/46 (24%) had a random distribution without zonal predominance; 6/46 (13%) demonstrated atypical lower zone predominance. Whereas 15/46 (33%) had obstructive airways disease on pulmonary function tests, there were no CT findings that were predictive of obstructive airways disease. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of cases of WTC-related sarcoidosis demonstrated typical radiographic appearances of sarcoidosis, with symmetric hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy and mid to upper lung perilymphatic nodules; these findings were consistent with other previously reported cases of sarcoid-like granulomatous disease in association with various alternate underlying etiologies. There was no correlation between disease patterns or extent on CT and pulmonary function testing, likely at least in part due to the overall mild extent of disease in this population.