The CT findings of endobronchial spread in lung adenocarcinoma / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the CT findings of endobronchial spread in lung adenocarcinoma. Methods The CT findings of 15 lung adenocarcinomas or bronchioloalveolar carcinomas with endobronchial spread were reviewed,the distribution and the progression of the spread were evaluated.Results All of the primary tumors were consolidation form.The spread lesions distributed in one side of the lung or both sides along the bronchus.The pleural surface was spared.The CT findings of the spread included centrilobular nodules(n=5),tree-in-bud(n=7),acinar nodules(n=2),ground-glass opacities(n=10)and air- space consolidations(n=13)in the first CT examination.5 cases of the spread lesions only presented centrilobular nodules(single form)and 10 cases presented several appearances(complex form).All of the cases were diagnosed as tuberculosis or pneumonia,and antituberculotic or antibiotic therapy was taken with no effect.The follow-up CT scans showed progression in all cases,and the spread lesions with single form became multiple consolidations.The spread lesions with complex form deteriorated faster than the single one. Conclusion Although the CT findings of the endobronchial spread of the lung adenocarcinoma is specific, the clinical history and laboratory examination also are important for the differential diagnosis with tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.