Using the CT features to differentiate invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma from pre-invasive lesion appearing as pure or mixed ground-glass nodules.

OBJECTIVE: To differentiate pre-invasive lesion from invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma (IPA) appearing as ground-glass nodules (GGNs) using CT features. METHODS: 149 GGNs were enrolled in this study, with 74 pure GGNs (p-GGNs) and 75 mixed GGNs (m-GGNs). Firstly, univariate analysis was used to analyse the difference of CT features between pre-invasive lesion and IPA. Then, multivariate analysis was conducted to identify variables that could independently differentiate pre-invasive lesion from IPA. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate the differentiating value of identified variables. RESULTS: In the p-GGNs, multivariate analysis showed that the amount of blood vessels was an independent risk factor. Using the amount of blood vessels "≥1" as the diagnostic criterion, we could diagnose IPA with a sensitivity of 100%. Using the amount of blood vessels "=0" as the diagnostic criterion, we could diagnose pre-invasive lesions with a specificity of 100%. In the m-GGNs, multivariate analysis showed that the volume of solid portion (VSolid) and pleural indentation were two independent risk factors. One further model was constructed using these two variables: model = 2.508 × (VSolid + 1.407) × (pleural indentation - 1.016). Using the new model, improved diagnostic ability was achieved compared with using VSolid or pleural indentation alone. CONCLUSION: The amount of blood vessels through the p-GGNs would be an important criterion during clinical management, while VSolid and pleural indentation seemed important for m-GGNs. Moreover, the new model could further improve the differentiating value for m-GGNs. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: CT features are useful in differentiating pre-invasive lesion from IPA appearing as GGNs.

[Reaction of serum growth hormone in patients with endemic cretinism to arginine and clonidine in continuous excitement tests].

Reaction of serum growth hormone in cretins whose pituitary and thyroid function have returned to normal in IDD-control by using iodized salt to arginine and clonidine in continuous excitement tests ws observed. The result is that during the phase of clonidine excitement, serum growth hormone in cretins was obviously lower than that in normal controls and the reaction peak value, maximum increase value and reaction time all markedly lower than those of the normal controls. 3 cases (18.8%) had no excitement reaction during the phase of arginine excitement, 8 cases (50.0%) no reaction during the phase of clonidine excitement and 2 cases (12.5%) no reaction in the entire process of continuous tests. The results indicate that patients with cretinism suffer from low reserve function of pituitary growth hormone and insufficiency of synthesis even after ther thyroid function has returned to normal.

[Determination of urine iodine in school children in iodine deficiency disorders areas].

Twenty-four-hour urine iodine and afternoon casual urine iodine were determined in children aged 7-14 years grouped into A, B, C, and D at two-year interval in the areas where iodized salt prophylaxis had been instituted. Results showed there was no significant difference between urine iodine values expressed in median of microgram/g Cr x creatinine coefficient and in microgram/24 hr, and the former was considered to reflect the real iodine value in urine. Urine iodine in children of groups C and D (older) was greater than of A and B (younger). Urine iodine reached the lower limit only in 51.2% of the children aged 13-14 years in Heba Township where iodized salt prophylaxis was instituted, with 75 micrograms iodine intake daily as lower limit. It suggested iodine deficiency remained a problem in that area.