Clinical and non-contrast computed tomography characteristics and disease development in patients with benign pulmonary subsolid nodules with a solid component ≤ 5 mm
Objectives
To evaluate the clinical and non-contrast computed tomography (CT) features of patients with benign pulmonary subsolid nodules (SSNs) with a solid component ≤ 5 mm and their development trends via follow-up CT.
Methods
We retrospectively collected 436 data from patients who had SSNs with a solid component ≤ 5 mm, including 69 with absorbable benign SSNs (AB-SSNs), 70 with nonabsorbable benign SSNs (NB-SSNs), and 297 with malignant SSNs (M-SSNs). Models 1, 2, and 3 for distinguishing the different types of SSNs were then developed and validated.
Results
Patients with AB-SSNs were younger and exhibited respiratory symptoms more frequently than those with M-SSNs. The frequency of nodules detected during follow-up CT was in the following order: AB-SSNs > NB-SSNs > M-SSNs. NB-SSNs were smaller than M-SSNs, and ill-defined margins were more frequent in AB-SSNs than in NB-SSNs and M-SSNs. Benign SSNs exhibited irregular shape, target sign, and lower CT values more frequently compared to M-SSNs, whereas the latter demonstrated bubble lucency more commonly compared to the former. Furthermore, AB-SSNs showed more thickened interlobular septa and satellite lesions than M-SSNs and M-SSNs had more pleural retraction than AB-SSNs (all p < 0.017). The three models had AUCs ranging 0.748–0.920 and 0.790–0.912 in the training and external validation cohorts, respectively. A follow-up CT showed nodule progression in four benign SSNs.
Conclusions
The three SSN types have different clinical and imaging characteristics, with some benign SSNs progressing to resemble malignancy.
Critical relevance statement
A good understanding of the imaging features and development trends of benign SSNs may help reduce unnecessary follow-up or interventions. This retrospective study explores the CT characteristics of benign SSNs with a solid component ≤ 5 mm by comparing AB-SSNs, NB-SSNs, and M-SSNs and delineates their development trends via follow-up CT.
Key points
1. Different subsolid nodule types exhibit distinct clinical and imaging features.
2. A miniscule number of benign subsolid nodules can progress to resemble malignancy.
3. Knowing the clinical and imaging features and development trends of benign subsolid nodules can improve management.
Graphical Abstract
Top-30
Journals
|
1
|
|
|
Academic Radiology
1 publication, 33.33%
|
|
|
Journal of Thoracic Disease
1 publication, 33.33%
|
|
|
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
1 publication, 33.33%
|
|
|
1
|
Publishers
|
1
|
|
|
Elsevier
1 publication, 33.33%
|
|
|
AME Publishing Company
1 publication, 33.33%
|
|
|
Springer Nature
1 publication, 33.33%
|
|
|
1
|
- We do not take into account publications without a DOI.
- Statistics recalculated weekly.