Learning objectives
Lung cancer is the most commonly occuring cancer in men and the third most commonly in women.1
Nowadays,
there is a growing interest in using low-dose unenhanced CT (LDCT) techniques for lung cancer screening.
These examinations yield more information compared to a chest x-ray.
Here we present an illustrated scheme for reading low dose chest CT examinations.
Background
The primary purpose of lung screening is to identify early lung cancer in asymptomatic patients,
which often presents as nodules.
The pulmonary nodule is a rounded or irregular opacity,
which is well-marginated or poorly defined,
and it measuresup to 3 cm in diameter.2
Findings and procedure details
Nodules can be characterized by the following features:
1.
Localisation
2.
Density
3.
Calcification
4.
Shape
5.
Margin
•I.
Where is the nodule located?
The first step during the reading process is localisation of lesions; which side (left/right) and in which segment (1-10.) are they located? In this regard nodules may be parenchymal,
subpleural,
perifissural and proximal to a vessel.
(Fig.
1.)
•II.
Density
Lung nodules can be divided into solid,
part-solid and non-solid types.3 (Fig.
2.)
•III.
Calcification
Calcification can be a sign of...
Conclusion
This algorithm may be helpful for colleagues who are less experienced in reading low dose lung CT,
and it may provide a framework for radiologists routinely interpreting this type of study.(Fig.
15.,
16.)
Personal information
•Dr.
Izabella Reznek is a senior radiology resident at the University of Debrecen Kenézy Gyula Hospital Department of Radiology.
•Dr.
András Székely is a board certified radiologist at the University of Debrecen Kenézy Gyula Hospital Department of Radiology with a special interest in thoracic imaging.
•Dr.
Péter Bágyi is the head of the Department of Radiology at Kenézy Gyula Hospital.
References
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Remy J.
Fleischner Society: Glossary of Terms for Thoracic Imaging.
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2008 Mar 1;246(3):697–722.
Jacobs,
Colin MSc; van Rikxoort,
Eva M.
PhD; Scholten,
Ernst Th.
MD; de Jong,
Pim A.
MD,
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PhD;...
