Detection of subsolid nodules on chest CT scans during the COVID-19 pandemic / Detecção de nódulos subsólidos na TC de tórax durante a pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the detection of subsolid nodules (SSNs) on chest CT scans of outpatients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to correlate the imaging findings with epidemiological data. We hypothesized that (pre)malignant nonsolid nodules were underdiagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic because of an overlap of imaging findings between SSNs and COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: This was a retrospective study including all chest CT scans performed in adult outpatients (> 18 years of age) in September of 2019 (i.e., before the COVID-19 pandemic) and in September of 2020 (i.e., during the COVID-19 pandemic). The images were reviewed by a thoracic radiologist, and epidemiological data were collected from patient-filled questionnaires and clinical referrals. Regression models were used in order to control for confounding factors. Results: A total of 650 and 760 chest CT scans were reviewed for the 2019 and 2020 samples, respectively. SSNs were found in 10.6% of the patients in the 2019 sample and in 7.9% of those in the 2020 sample (p = 0.10). Multiple SSNs were found in 23 and 11 of the patients in the 2019 and 2020 samples, respectively. Women constituted the majority of the study population. The mean age was 62.8 ± 14.8 years in the 2019 sample and 59.5 ± 15.1 years in the 2020 sample (p < 0.01). COVID-19 accounted for 24% of all referrals for CT examination in 2020. Conclusions: Fewer SSNs were detected on chest CT scans of outpatients during the COVID-19 pandemic than before the pandemic, although the difference was not significant. In addition to COVID-19, the major difference between the 2019 and 2020 samples was the younger age in the 2020 sample. We can assume that fewer SSNs will be detected in a population with a higher proportion of COVID-19 suspicion or diagnosis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a detecção de nódulos subsólidos na TC de tórax de pacientes ambulatoriais antes e durante a pandemia de COVID-19, bem como correlacionar os achados de imagem com dados epidemiológicos. Nossa hipótese foi a de que nódulos não sólidos (pré) malignos foram subdiagnosticados durante a pandemia de COVID-19 em virtude da sobreposição de achados de imagem de nódulos subsólidos e pneumonia por COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo no qual foram incluídas todas as imagens de TC de tórax realizadas em pacientes ambulatoriais adultos (com idade > 18 anos) em setembro de 2019 (antes da pandemia de COVID-19) e em setembro de 2020 (durante a pandemia de COVID-19). As imagens foram reavaliadas por um radiologista torácico, e os dados epidemiológicos foram extraídos de questionários preenchidos pelos pacientes e de encaminhamentos clínicos. Modelos de regressão foram usados para controlar fatores de confusão. Resultados: Foram reavaliadas 650 e 760 imagens de TC de tórax nas amostras de 2019 e 2020, respectivamente. Foram encontrados nódulos subsólidos em 10,6% dos pacientes que compuseram a amostra de 2019 e em 7,9% daqueles que compuseram a amostra de 2020 (p = 0,10). Nódulos subsólidos múltiplos foram encontrados em 23 e 11 dos pacientes que compuseram as amostras de 2019 e 2020, respectivamente. As mulheres constituíram a maioria da população do estudo. A média de idade foi de 62,8 ± 14,8 anos na amostra de 2019 e de 59,5 ± 15,1 anos na amostra de 2020 (p < 0,01). A COVID-19 foi responsável por 24% de todos os encaminhamentos para a realização de TC em 2020. Conclusões: Foram detectados menos nódulos subsólidos na TC de tórax de pacientes ambulatoriais durante a pandemia de COVID-19 do que antes da pandemia, embora a diferença não tenha sido significativa. Além da COVID-19, a principal diferença entre as amostras de 2019 e 2020 foi o fato de que a amostra de 2020 era mais jovem. Podemos supor que menos nódulos subsólidos serão detectados numa população com maior proporção de suspeita ou diagnóstico de COVID-19.

Características clinicopatológicas de nódulos pulmonares: Experiencia en Clínica Reina Sofía, Bogotá, Colombia / Clinicopathological characteristics of pulmonary nodules: Experience at Clínica Reina Sofía, Bogotá, Colombia

Introducción. El cáncer de pulmón es la primera causa de mortalidad por cáncer a nivel mundial, lo que hace que sea considerado un problema de salud pública. Existen diferentes hallazgos imagenológicos que hacen sospechar la presencia de cáncer de pulmón, uno de los cuales son los nódulos pulmonares; sin embargo, estos también pueden verse en entidades benignas.Métodos. Se incluyeron 66 pacientes con biopsia de nódulo pulmonar en la Clínica Reina Sofía, en la ciudad de Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, entre el 1° de marzo del 2017 y el 28 de febrero del 2020. Se analizaron las características demográficas de los pacientes, las características morfológicas e histopatológicas de los nódulos pulmonares y la correlación entre sus características imagenológicas e histopatológicas. Resultados. El 69,2 % de los nódulos estudiados tenían etiología maligna, de estos el 55,5 % era de origen metástasico y el 44,5 % eran neoplasias primarias de pulmón, con patrón sólido en el 70,6 % de los casos. El patrón histológico más frecuente fue adenocarcinoma. Respecto a las características radiológicas, en su mayoría los nódulos malignos medían de 1 a 2 cm, de morfología lisa y distribución múltiple, localizados en lóbulos superiores. Conclusiones. La caracterización de los nódulos pulmonares brinda información relevante que orienta sobre los diagnósticos más frecuentes en nuestro medio, cuando se estudian nódulos sospechosos encontrados incidentalmente o en el seguimiento de otro tumor. Como el nódulo es la manifestación del cáncer temprano del pulmón, establecer programas de tamización que permitan el diagnóstico oportuno, es hoy día una imperiosa necesidad, para reducir la mortalidad.

Introduction. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, which makes it a public health problem. There are different imaging findings that suggest the presence of lung cancer, one of which is pulmonary nodules; however, these can also be seen in benign entities. Methods. A total of 66 patients with pulmonary nodule biopsy at Clínica Reina Sofía, in the city of Bogotá D.C. were included between March 1, 2017 and February 28, 2020. The demographic characteristics of the patients, the morphologic and histopathologic characteristics of the pulmonary nodules and their correlation with their pathological diagnosis were analyzed.Results. 69.2% of the nodules studied had malignant etiology, of these 55.5% were of metastatic origin, and 44.5% were primary lung neoplasms, with a solid pattern in 70.6% of the cases. The most frequent histological pattern was adenocarcinoma. Regarding the radiological characteristics, most of the malignant nodules measure 1 to 2 cm, of smooth morphology and had multiple distribution, located in the upper lobes. Conclusions. The characterization of pulmonary nodules provides relevant information that guides the most fre-quent diagnoses in our setting, when suspicious nodules found incidentally or in the follow-up of another tumor are studied. As the nodule is the manifestation of early lung cancer, establishing screening programs that allow timely diagnosis is an urgent need to reduce mortality.

Análisis del nódulo pulmonar solitario tras su resección quirúrgica en pacientes con 18F-FDG PET-TC integrado en el estudio preoperatorio / Analysis of solitary pulmonary nodule after surgical resection in patients with 18F-FDG positron emission tomography integrated computed tomography in the preoperative work-up

Introducción: Analizar las características clínico-patológicas de los pacientes operados por nódulo pulmonar solitario (NPS) y 18F-FDG PET-TC integrado tras su resección quirúrgica.Material y métodosEstudio retrospectivo sobre una base de datos prospectiva de pacientes operados entre enero-2007 y octubre-2017 por NPS sin diagnóstico preoperatorio. La variable dependiente fue el resultado anatomopatológico (benigno vs. maligno) del NPS. Las variables del estudio fueron: edad, sexo, captación en PET-TC, SUVmáx, tabaquismo, EPOC, antecedente de tumoración maligna previa, localización del tumor y tamaño en la TC.ResultadosUn total de 305 pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio, 225 (73,8%) varones, 80 (26,2%) mujeres, edad media = 63,9 (rango 29-86 años), tamaño medio NPS = 1,68 (d.t. 0,65 cm), benignos = 46 (15,1%), malignos = 258 (84,6%), tipo de resección: cuña = 151 (49,5%), lobectomía = 141 (46,2%), segmentectomía = 12 (3,9%), exploradora = 1 (0,3%). La mortalidad postoperatoria fue del 1,9%. EPOC = 50,8% casos, cáncer previo = 172 casos (56,4%), tabaquismo = 250 casos (82%), PET positiva = 280 casos (91,8%), NPS en campos superiores = 204 casos (66,9%), SUVmáx mediana = 3,4 (rango 0-20,7). El modelo de regresión logística binaria por pasos hacia atrás mostró que la edad, SUVmáx, enfermedad maligna previa y sexo femenino fueron factores de riesgo independientes con significación estadística (p < 0,05).La sensibilidad, especificidad, el valor predictivo positivo, el valor predictivo negativo y la seguridad diagnóstica fueron 94,6%, 23,4%, 87,1%, 44% y 83,6%, respectivamente. Hubo un total de 14 casos falsos negativos (4,6%) y 36 casos falsos positivos (11,8%). (AU)

Introduction: To analyse clinicopathological characteristics of patients operated for pulmonary solitary nodule (PSN) and 18F-FDG integrated PET-CT scan after surgical resection.MethodologyRetrospective study on a prospective database of patients operated from January 2007 to October 2017 for PSN without preoperative diagnosis. Dependent variable was anatomopathological result (benign vs malignant) of PSN. Variables of the study were: age, sex, PET-CT uptake, SUVmax, smoking history, COPD, previous history of malignant disease, tumoral location, and tumour size on CT-scan.ResultsA total of 305 patients were included in this study, 225 (73.8%) men, 80 (26.2%) women, mean age = 63.9 (range 29-86 years), mean size PSN = 1.68 (s.d. .65 cm), benign = 46 (15.1%), malignant = 258 (84.6%), type of resection: pulmonary wedge = 151 (49.5%), lobectomy = 141 (46.2%), segmentectomy = 12 (3.9%), exploratory intervention = 1 (0.3%). Postoperative mortality was 1.9%. COPD = 50.8% cases, previous cancer disease = 172 cases (56.4%), smoking history = 250 cases (82.0%), positive PET = 280 cases (91.8%), PSN in upper pulmonary fields = 204 cases (66.9%), median SUVmax = 3.4 (range 0-20.7). Backward stepwise binary logistic regression model showed that age, SUVmax, previous malignant disease and female sex were independent risk factors with statistical significance (p < .05). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy were 94.6%, 23.4%, 87.1%, 44.0%, and 83.6% respectively. There were 14 false negative cases (4.6%) and 36 false positive cases (11.8%). (AU)

Diagnostic accuracy of visual analysis versus dual time-point imaging with 18F-FDG PET/CT for the characterization of indeterminate pulmonary nodules with low uptake. / Precisión diagnóstica del análisis visual frente al protocolo de imagen tardía con 18F-FDG PET/TC para la caracterización de nódulos pulmonares indeterminados con baja captación.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of visual analysis and the retention index (RI) with dual-time point 18F-FDG PET/CT for the characterization of indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPN) with low FDG uptake. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 43 patients (28 men, 64 ± 11 years old, range 36-83 years) referred for IPN characterization with 18F-FDG-PET/CT and maximum standard uptake value ≤ 2.5 at 60 minutes post-injection (SUVmax1). Nodules were analyzed by size, visual score for FDG uptake on standard (OSEM 2,8) and high definition (HD) reconstructions, SUVmax1, SUVmax at 180 minutes post-injection (SUVmax2), and RI was calculated. The definitive diagnosis was based on histopathological confirmation (n = 28) or ≥ 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-four (56%) nodules were malignant. RI ≥ 10% on standard reconstruction detected 18 nodules that would have been considered negative using the standard SUVmax ≥ 2.5 criterion for malignancy. RI ≥ 10% had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of 75, 73.7, 78.3, 70, and 74.4%, respectively, while for FDG uptake > liver on HD these were 79.1, 63.2, 73.1, 70.6, and 72.1%, respectively. SUVmax1 ≥ 2, SUVmax2 > 2.5 and FDG uptake > liver on standard reconstruction had a PPV of 100%. FDG uptake > mediastinum on HD had a NPV of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: RI ≥ 10% was the most accurate criterion for malignancy, followed by FDG uptake > liver on HD reconstruction. On standard reconstruction, SUVmax1 ≥2 was highly predictive of malignancy, as well as SUVmax2 > 2.5 and FDG uptake > liver. FDG uptake < mediastinum on HD was highly predictive of benign nodules.

Analysis of solitary pulmonary nodule after surgical resection in patients with 18F-FDG positron emission tomography integrated computed tomography in the preoperative work-up. / Análisis del nódulo pulmonar solitario tras su resección quirúrgica en pacientes con 18F-FDG PET-TC integrado en el estudio preoperatorio.

INTRODUCTION: To analyse clinicopathological characteristics of patients operated for pulmonary solitary nodule (PSN) and 18F-FDG integrated PET-CT scan after surgical resection. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective study on a prospective database of patients operated from January 2007 to October 2017 for PSN without preoperative diagnosis. Dependent variable was anatomopathological result (benign vs malignant) of PSN. Variables of the study were: age, sex, PET-CT uptake, SUVmax, smoking history, COPD, previous history of malignant disease, tumoral location, and tumour size on CT-scan. RESULTS: A total of 305 patients were included in this study, 225 (73.8%) men, 80 (26.2%) women, mean age = 63.9 (range 29-86 years), mean size PSN = 1.68 (s.d. .65 cm), benign = 46 (15.1%), malignant = 258 (84.6%), type of resection: pulmonary wedge = 151 (49.5%), lobectomy = 141 (46.2%), segmentectomy = 12 (3.9%), exploratory intervention = 1 (0.3%). Postoperative mortality was 1.9%. COPD = 50.8% cases, previous cancer disease = 172 cases (56.4%), smoking history = 250 cases (82.0%), positive PET = 280 cases (91.8%), PSN in upper pulmonary fields = 204 cases (66.9%), median SUVmax = 3.4 (range 0-20.7). Backward stepwise binary logistic regression model showed that age, SUVmax, previous malignant disease and female sex were independent risk factors with statistical significance (p < .05). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy were 94.6%, 23.4%, 87.1%, 44.0%, and 83.6% respectively. There were 14 false negative cases (4.6%) and 36 false positive cases (11.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Age, SUVmax, previous malignant disease, and female sex were independent risk factors in our study. Each case should be individually evaluated in a multidisciplinary committee, and the patient's preferences or concerns should be kept in mind in decision-making. Surgical resection of PSN is not exempt from morbidity and mortality, even in sublobar or pulmonary wedge resection.

Nódulo pulmonar / Pulmonary nodule

Introducción: El nódulo pulmonar es un hallazgo generalmente incidental. Su detección ha aumentado observándose hasta en 13 por ciento de las tomografías. El diagnóstico diferencial plantea un desafío. Objetivo: Describir el caso de un paciente con nódulos pulmonares múltiples y su abordaje a partir de recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 35 años con sintomatología inespecífica y nódulos pulmonares múltiples incidentales en estudios cervicotorácicos. Se analizaron etiologías posibles según datos clínicos, epidemiológicos, radiológicos y probabilidad de malignidad. Las recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia dirigieron el manejo. Dada la probabilidad intermedia de malignidad se indicó seguimiento escanográfico en 3 a 6 meses. Conclusiones: El caso presentado pretende reforzar destrezas clínicas en el manejo de esta entidad repercutiendo favorablemente en la morbimortalidad. Busca además impulsar el desarrollo de estrategias de tamizaje en poblaciones de riesgo(AU)

Introduction: The pulmonary nodule is a generally incidental finding. Its detection has increased, being observed in up to 13 percent of CT scans. Differential diagnosis poses a challenge. Objective: To describe the case of a patient with multiple pulmonary nodules and the approach to it based on evidence-based recommendations. Clinical case report: The case of a 35-year-old patient with nonspecific symptoms and incidental multiple pulmonary nodules in cervicothoracic studies is reported. Possible etiologies were analyzed according to clinical, epidemiological, radiological data and probability of malignancy. Evidence-based recommendations guided management. Given the intermediate probability of malignancy, a scan follow-up was indicated in 3 to 6 months. Conclusions: This case aims to reinforce clinical skills in the management of this entity, favourably impacting on morbidity and mortality. It also seeks to promote the development of screening strategies in populations at risk(AU)

Diagnosis and radio-guided surgery of lung nodules. / Diagnóstico y cirugía radioguiada de nódulos pulmonares.

The detection of pulmonary nodules has increased in recent decades due to the introduction of lung cancer screening programs and the massively use of routine chest computed tomography in patients with malignant neoplasms. Percutaneous biopsy of these nodules does not always characterize them, so sometimes a surgical biopsy is necessary, which often requires a presurgical localization. The radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) described for breast lesions was first applied in the resection of pulmonary nodules in 2000, becoming an alternative to other presurgical localization techniques such as hook-wire. The technique provides high detection rate with minimal morbidity, enhancing multidisciplinary work with specialists in Radiology and Chest Surgery. The present paper describes the different pre-surgical localization techniques currently available, the methodological procedure of the ROLL technique and the collected results in 20 years of experience.

Herramienta para la detección automática de nódulos pulmonares solitarios en series de imágenes de tomografía computarizada multicorte / A tool for automated detection of solitary pulmonary nodules in series of multicut computerized tomography images

Introducción: el nódulo pulmonar solitario es uno de los problemas más frecuentes en la práctica del radiólogo, que constituye un hallazgo incidental habitual en los estudios torácicos realizados durante el ejercicio clínico diario. Objetivo: implementar un sistema de diagnóstico asistido por computadora que facilite la detección del nódulo pulmonar solitario en las series de imágenes de tomografía computarizada multicorte. Métodos: se utilizó Matlab para el desarrollo y evaluación de un conjunto de algoritmos que constituyen elementos necesarios de un sistema de diagnóstico asistido por computadora. En orden: un algoritmo para la extracción de las regiones de interés, algoritmo para la extracción de características y un algoritmo de detección de nódulo pulmonar solitario para el cual se probaron varios clasificadores. La evaluación de los algoritmos fue efectuada en base a las anotaciones realizada por especialistas a la colección de imágenes LIDC-IDRI (Lung Image Database Consortium). Resultados: el método de segmentación empleado para extracción de las regiones de interés permitió generar la adecuada división de las imágenes originales en regiones significativas. El algoritmo utilizado en la detección mostró para el conjunto de prueba además de buena exactitud (de 96,4 por ciento), un buen balance de sensibilidad (91,5 por ciento) para una tasa de 0,84 falsos positivos por imagen. Conclusiones: el trabajo de investigación y la implementación realizada se reflejan en la construcción de una interfaz gráfica en Matlab como prototipo del sistema de diagnóstico asistido por computadora, con el que se puede contribuir a detectar más fácilmente el NPS(AU)

Introduction: solitary pulmonary nodules are one of the most frequent problems in radiographic practice. They are a common incidental finding in chest studies conducted during routine clinical work. Objective: implement a computer-assisted diagnostic system facilitating detection of solitary pulmonary nodules in multicut computerized tomography image series. Methods: Matlab was used to develop and evaluate a set of algorithms constituting necessary components of a computer-assisted diagnostic system. The order was the following: an algorithm to extract regions of interest, another to extract characteristics, and another to detect solitary pulmonary nodules, for which several classifiers were tested. Evaluation of the algorithms was based on notes taken by specialists on the LIDC-IDRI (Lung Image Database Consortium) image collection. Results: the segmentation method used for extraction of regions of interest made it possible to create a suitable division of the original images into significant regions. The algorithm used for detection found that the test set exhibited good accuracy (96.4%), a good sensitivity balance (91.5%), and a 0.84 rate of false positives per image. Conclusions: the research and implementation work done is reflected in the construction of a Matlab graphic interface serving as a prototype for a computer-assisted diagnostic system which may facilitate detection of SPNs.

[Multiple insufficiency fractures (metatarsial, calcaneal and sacral) as the first manifestation of lung adenocarcinoma. A case report and literature review]. / Fracturas múltiples por insuficiencia (metatarsianos, calcáneo y sacro) como signo inicial de adenocarcinoma pulmonar. Caso clínico y revisión de la literatura.

Insufficiency fractures, or pathological fractures, are produced after minimal trauma or no prior trauma and normally affect weakened bone. Their presence should be suspected in fractures showing abnormal patterns, when several fractures occur in a short period of time and in those with no apparent or only minimal trauma. On confirmation of an insufficiency fracture, a differential diagnosis should be made between tumoral and metastatic fractures if there is a history of underlying primary malignancy. The epidemiology of lung cancer has changed due to women's adoption of smoking. In women, the most frequent type of lung cancer is adenocarcinoma, which is less aggressive and has lower mortality, with 5-year survival of 9.5%. Consequently, in Spain, 44% of pulmonary nodules are due to adenocarcinomas. Therefore, all solitary pulmonary nodules should be followed-up for at least 5 years. A history of solitary pulmonary nodule is found in one out of every 1,000 x-rays. However, in patients younger than 35 years, only 1% is malignant. In persons with a history of malignancy and age older than 35 years, this percentage increases to 68%. Size larger than 3cm increases the percentage of malignancy to up to 93%. Therefore, in female smokers older than 50 years with a history of solitary pulmonary nodule, the nodule should be considered malignant until demonstrated otherwise. We report for the first time in Spain the case of a woman with risk factors (smoking, age older than 50 years, with a 3-cm solitary pulmonary nodule that showed no significant growth in 3 years) who had multiple insufficiency fractures in a short period of time. Rehabilitation therapy was unsuccessful and the patient underwent investigation for malignancy. Unfortunately, histopathological study confirmed that the fractures were the initial manifestation of lung adenocarcinoma.

Etiología de nódulos pulmonares en pacientes con cáncer mamario / Etiology of pulmonary nodules in patients with breast cancer

Resumen Objetivo: Describir los diagnósticos histopatológicos a partir de los casos de las pacientes con cáncer de mama que fueron llevadas a resección de nódulos pulmonares en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC). Materiales y métodos: Se desarrolló un estudio tipo serie de casos donde se describen las características clínicas, histológicas y anatomopatológicas de un grupo de pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de cáncer de mama de novo o que durante su enfermedad presentaron nódulos pulmonares que requirieron resección quirúrgica mediante cuña pulmonar o lobectomía en el INC, entre el 1 de enero de 2015 y el 30 de abril de 2018. Resultados: En el periodo de estudio se realizaron 225 resecciones en cuña pulmonar y lobectomías, 55 de estos pacientes tenían diagnóstico de cáncer de mama, de los cuales el 69,1% fueron de origen neoplásico, 26 pacientes fueron metástasis de cáncer mama (47,3%), 9 pacientes tenían segundo primario pulmonar (16,4%) y un paciente tenía concomitantemente cáncer primario pulmonar y una metástasis de mama (1,8%). Otras 2 pacientes tenían metástasis de otros órganos, uno de recto y uno de tiroides (3,6%), mientras que las 17 pacientes restantes presentaron reporte de lesiones pulmonares benignas en la anatomía patológica (30,9%). Conclusión: La presencia de nódulos pulmonares en pacientes con cáncer de mama no siempre son secundarias a enfermedad metastásica en pulmón; pueden existir otras etiologías como cáncer primario pulmonar, metástasis de otros órganos, tumores benignos o infecciones. Conocer la etiología de los nódulos pulmonares en pacientes con cáncer de mama es determinante para evaluar las opciones terapéuticas que pueden variar desde el manejo quirúrgico hasta el manejo sistémico.

Abstract Objectives: To describe the histopathological diagnoses of patients with breast cancer who underwent resection of pulmonary nodules at the National Cancer Institute (INC) of Bogotá. Materials and methods: A case-series study was developed to describe the clinical, histological and anatomopathological characteristics of a sample of patients with a diagnosis of de novo metastatic breast cancer or whom presented with pulmonary nodules during their disease that required surgical resection by wedge pulmonary or lobectomy in the INC, between January 1, 2015 and April 30, 2018. Results: During the study period, 225 resections were performed in lung wedge and lobectomies, 55 of these patients had a diagnosis of breast cancer, of which 69.1% were of neoplastic origin, 26 (47.3%) were metastatic of breast cancer, 9 (16.4%) second primary pulmonary and 1 (1.8%) patient had concomitantly primary lung cancer and a breast metastasis. Another 2 (3.6%) patients had metastases from other organs, one from the rectum and one from the thyroid, while the remaining 17 (30.9%) patients presented a report of benign lung lesions in the pathology. Conclusion: The presence of pulmonary nodules in patients with breast cancer are not always secondary to metastatic disease. Other etiologies may exist, such as primary pulmonary cancer, metastasis from other cancers, benign lung tumors or infections. Knowing the etiology of pulmonary nodules in patients with breast cancer is crucial to evaluate the therapeutic options that can vary from surgical management to systemic management.

Use of PET/CT to aid clinical decision-making in cases of solitary pulmonary nodule: a probabilistic approach / Uso da PET/CT no auxílio à decisão de tomada clínica no nódulo pulmonar solitário: uma abordagem probabilística

Abstract Objective: To determine the frequency with which 18F-FDG-PET/CT findings change the probability of malignancy classification of solitary pulmonary nodules. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of all 18F-FDG-PET/CT examinations performed for the investigation of a solitary pulmonary nodule between May 2016 and May 2017. We reviewed medical records and PET/CT images to collect the data necessary to calculate the pre-test probability of malignancy using the Swensen model and the Herder model. The probability of malignancy was classified as low if < 5%, intermediate if 5-65%, and high if > 65%. Cases classified as intermediate in the Swensen model were reclassified by the Herder model. Results: We reviewed the records for 33 patients, of whom 17 (51.5%) were male. The mean age was 68.63 ± 12.20 years. According to the Swensen model, the probability of malignancy was intermediate in 23 cases (69.7%). Among those, the application of the Herder model resulted in the probability of malignancy being reclassified as low in 6 (26.1%) and as high in 8 (34.8%). Conclusion: 18F-FDG-PET/CT was able to modify the probability of malignancy classification of a solitary pulmonary nodule in more than 50% of the cases evaluated.

Resumo Objetivo: Determinar a frequência em que a PET/CT com FDG-18F muda a classificação de probabilidade de malignidade do nódulo pulmonar solitário. Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizada análise retrospectiva de todas as PET/CTs com FDG-18F realizadas entre maio/2016 e maio/2017 num serviço de medicina nuclear, cuja indicação era a avaliação de nódulo pulmonar solitário. Foram analisados os prontuários e os exames de PET/CT para coleta das informações necessárias para o cálculo da probabilidade pré-teste de malignidade pelo modelo de Swensen e pelo modelo de Herder. Probabilidade menor que 5% foi considerada como baixa, maior que 65% foi definida como alta, e os casos restantes, como intermediária. Os casos classificados como intermediários pelo modelo de Swensen foram reclassificados de acordo com o modelo de Herder. Resultados: Trinta e três pacientes foram incluídos neste estudo, 17 (51,5%) deles eram do gênero masculino, e a média de idade foi 68,63 anos (± 12,20 anos). Em relação à classificação da probabilidade de malignidade pelo modelo de Swensen, 23 (69,7%) apresentaram probabilidade intermediária de malignidade. Destes, o modelo de Herder classificou 6 casos (26,1%) como probabilidade baixa e 8 casos (34,8%) como probabilidade alta de malignidade. Conclusão: A PET/CT com FDG-18F foi capaz de modificar a classificação probabilística do nódulo pulmonar solitário em mais da metade dos casos.

Incidental pulmonary nodules: characterization and management. / Nódulo pulmonar incidental: caracterización y manejo.

This update covers the management of solitary or multiple pulmonary nodules detected incidentally in imaging studies done for other reasons. It describes the most appropriate computed tomography technique for the evaluation of these nodules, how they are classified, and how the different types of nodules are measured. It also reviews the patient-related and nodule-related criteria for determining the risk of malignancy. It discusses the recommendations in the guidelines recently published by the Fleischner Society for the management and follow-up of each type of nodules according to its size and risk of malignancy.

Perfil epidemiológico de pacientes com nódulos pulmonares em acompanhamento ambulatorial no período de 2013 a 2015 / Epidemiological profile of patients with pulmonary nodules in clinic follow-up in the period from 2013 to 2015

Este artigo teve como objetivo conhecer o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com nódulos pulmonares descobertos de forma acidental e seu desfecho durante o acompanhamento no ambulatório de pneumologia de Criciúma/SC entre os anos de 2013 a 2015. Realizou-se um estudo observacional, longitudinal, retrospectivo, de abordagem quantitativa, com coleta de dados de 250 prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico de nódulo pulmonar ao acaso. As características clínicas estudadas foram: gênero, idade, tabagismo, carga tabágica e o exame de diagnóstico. As características radiográficas avaliadas em relação ao nódulo foram: presença de margens espiculadas, tamanho nodular, localização anatômica e, posteriormente, os nódulos foram classificados em: provavelmente benigno, maligno ou indeterminado. Como resultado, percebeu-se que 58,8%dos casos de nódulo pulmonar foram observados em mulheres, sendo a faixa etária mais comum, independente de gênero, entre 51-70 anos. Em 60,6% dos pacientes, o raio-X de tórax foi o exame que detectou esses nódulos. Observou-se, também, que 60,8% dos nódulos foram classificados como provavelmente benigno e 44,8% dos nódulos localizaram-se em lobos superiores. Houve associação significativa entre malignidade do nódulo e tamanho do mesmo (p = 0,001).Portanto, conclui-se que a prevalência dos nódulos incidentais foi maior na faixa etária de 51-70 anos, sendo que as mulheres alcançaram porcentagem 17,6% superior ao sexo masculino. Verificou-se predomínio da distribuição dos nódulos em lobos superiores e da categorização dos nódulos como provavelmente benignos. Além disso, significância estatística foi constatada em relação aos maiores tamanhos nodulares e provável desfecho maligno (p = 0,001).

This article had as objective to know the epidemiological profile of patients with accidentally discovered pulmonary nodules and their outcome during the follow-up in the Criciúma/SC pneumology clinic between 2013 and 2015. An observational, longitudinal, retrospective study, with quantitative approach was performed with data collection of 250 medical records of patients with diagnosis of incidental pulmonary nodules. The clinical characteristics studied were: gender, age, smoking, smoking load and diagnostic examination. The radiographic characteristics evaluated in relation to the nodule were: presence of spiculated margins, nodular size, anatomical location and, later, the nodules were classified in: probably benign, malignant or undetermined. As a result, it was observed that 58,8% of the cases of pulmonary nodule were observed in women, being the most common age group, independent of gender, between 51-70 years. In 60,6% of the patients, the chest xray was the test that detected theses nodules. It was also observed that 60,8% of the nodules were classified as probably benign and 44,8% of the nodules were located in upper lobes. There was a significant association between nodule malignancy and size of the nodule (p = 0.001). Therefore, it is concluded that the prevalence of incidental nodules was higher in the age group of 51-70 years, and women reached percentage 17.6% higher than male sex. There was a predominance of nodal distribution in upper lobes and the categorization of nodules as probably benign. Furthermore, statistical significance was observed in relation to the larger nodular sizes and probable malignant outcome (p = 0.001).

Análise comparativa de características tomográficas de nódulos e massas pulmonares benignas e malignas / Comparative analysis of tomographic features of benign and malignant nodules and lung masses

Introdução: a análise quantitativa das características de nódulos e massas pulmonares por meio da tomografia computadorizada pode auxiliar o diagnóstico médico a estratificar o risco de malignidade. Objetivo: comparar características tomográficas de massas e nódulos pulmonares benignos e malignos, identificando a intensidade em escala de Hounsfield e padrões de textura. Método: estudo transversal, quantitativo, descritivo de levantamento. Foram selecionados prontuários de pacientes internados no Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição (HNSC) em Tubarão-SC, no ano de 2014 com diagnósticos de neoplasia benigna dos brônquios e do pulmão (NPB) (D143) e neoplasia maligna do lobo superior, do brônquio ou pulmão (NPM) (C34). Resultados: Foi observado que a chance para malignidade esteve relacionada ao sexo masculino OR=9,4 (IC 95% 1,7­51,1) com p=0,009, área>13,18 cm2 OR=14,6 (IC 95% 2,6­82,1) com p=0,002, nos parâmetros de textura, a correlação≤0,166550 OR=10,3 (IC 95% 2,1­49,2) com p=0,004 e momento inverso da diferença> 0,166550 OR=28,0 (IC 95% 4,2­184,3) com p=0,001. Conclusão: houve diferença entre os grupos NPB e NPM entre os parâmetros clínico-epidemiológicos e entre algumas características de textura analisadas.

Introduction: the quantitative analysis of the characteristics of nodules and lung masses by computed tomography can help the medical diagnosis to stratify the risk of malignancy. Objective: to compare the characteristics of benign and malignant pulmonary masses and nodules, identifying the intensity of the Hounsfield scale and texture patterns. Method: cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive survey. A selection of medical records was made, observing patients hospitalized at Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição (HNSC) in Tubarão-SC in the year 2014 with diagnosis of benign neoplasms of the bronchi and lungs (BNL) (D143) and malignant neoplasms of the upper lobe, bronchus or lung (MNL) (C34). Results: It was observed that a chance for malignancy was related to male OR = 9.4 (95% CI 1.7-51.1) with p = 0.009, area> 13.18 cm2 OR = 14.6 (95% CI 2.6-82.1) with p = 0.002, in texture, the correlation <0.166550 OR = 10.3 (95% CI 2.1-49.2) with p = 0.004 and inverse difference time> 0.166550 OR = 28.0 (CI 95% 4.2-184.3) with p = 0.001. Conclusion: there was a difference between the BNL and MNL groups between the clinical-epidemiological criteria and some texture characteristics analyzed.

Nódulo pulmonar solitario de localización subpelural: aspectos clínicos, radiológicos, histopatológico y diagnósticos diferenciales, a propósito de un caso clínico / Pulmonary solitary nodule of subpelural localization: clinical, radiological, histopathological and differential diagnoses, regarding a clinical case

Fundamento: el cáncer de pulmón es la causa más frecuente de mortalidad en el mundo. Es uno de los cánceres con peor pronóstico, suele diagnosticarse en estadios avanzados. La detección precoz, en la fase de nódulo pulmonar, permitiría una intervención terapéutica más temprana, al mejorar el pronóstico y la supervivencia. Los diagnósticos más importantes son: la radiografía de tórax, tomografía computarizada, punción aspirativa con aguja fina, existe una gran cantidad de diagnósticos diferenciales que incluyen lesiones benignas y malignas. Objetivo: describir los aspectos clínicos, radiológicos, histopatológico y diagnósticos diferenciales del nódulo pulmonar solitario de localización subpleural. Caso clínico: se describe un caso clínico con un nódulo pulmonar solitario y diagnóstico presuntivo inicial de carcinoma pulmonar; tras ser estudiado y realizarle lobectomía pulmonar; el diagnóstico como causa inflamatoria fue una neumonía. Conclusiones: el mayor por ciento de los nódulos pulmonares solitarios son neoplasias secundarias a afecciones con las que se puede establecer el diagnóstico diferencial. La causa más frecuente son los granulomas secundarios a afecciones inflamatorias infecciosas, al seguir en orden de frecuencia el cáncer y dentro de ellos el carcinoma broncógeno.

Background: lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. It is one of the cancers with worse prognosis, since it is usually diagnosed in advanced stages. Early detection, in the pulmonary nodule phase, would allow an earlier therapeutic intervention, improving prognosis and survival. Important diagnostic tools include chest radiography, computed tomography, fine needle aspiration, and a large number of differential diagnoses including benign and malignant lesions. Objective: to describe the clinical, radiological, histopathological and differential diagnoses of the solitary pulmonary nodule of subpleural location. Clinical case: a clinical case with a solitary pulmonary nodule and initial presumptive diagnosis of lung carcinoma is described; after being studied and performed lung lobectomy, diagnosed as an inflammatory cause, pneumonia. Conclusions: 95 % of solitary pulmonary nodules are neoplasias secondary to conditions with which a differential diagnosis can be established. The most frequent cause is granulomas secondary to infectious inflammatory conditions, following in order of frequency the cancer and within them the bronchogenic carcinoma.

Solitary pulmonary nodule and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Part 2: accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and current recommendations / Nódulo pulmonar solitário e 18F-FDG PET/CT. Parte 2: acurácia, custo-efetividade e recomendações atuais

Abstract A solitary pulmonary nodule is a common, often incidental, radiographic finding. The investigation and differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules remain complex, because there are overlaps between the characteristics of benign and malignant processes. There are currently many strategies for evaluating solitary pulmonary nodules. The main objective is to identify benign lesions, in order to avoid exposing patients to the risks of invasive methods, and to detect cases of lung cancer accurately, in order to avoid delaying potentially curative treatment. The focus of this study was to review the evaluation of solitary pulmonary nodules, to discuss the current role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography, addressing its accuracy and cost-effectiveness, and to detail the current recommendations for the examination in this scenario.

Resumo O nódulo pulmonar solitário corresponde a um achado radiológico comum, cuja detecção ocorre frequentemente de forma incidental. A investigação desta entidade permanece complexa, uma vez que existem sobreposições entre as características dos processos benignos e malignos no seu diagnóstico diferencial. Atualmente, muitas estratégias estão disponíveis para a avaliação do nódulo pulmonar solitário, e o objetivo principal consiste em caracterizar da melhor forma possível as alterações benignas, não expondo os pacientes aos riscos de métodos invasivos, e detectar corretamente os casos de câncer de pulmão, não retardando potencial tratamento curativo. O foco deste estudo é revisar a avaliação do nódulo pulmonar solitário, discutindo o papel atual da tomografia por emissão de pósitrons com 18-fluordesoxiglicose, apresentar sua acurácia e custo-efetividade, bem como salientar as recomendações atuais do exame neste cenário.

Solitary pulmonary nodule and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Part 1: epidemiology, morphological evaluation and cancer probability / Nódulo pulmonar solitário e 18F-FDG PET/CT. Parte 1: epidemiologia, avaliação morfológica e probabilidade de câncer

Abstract Solitary pulmonary nodule corresponds to a common radiographic finding, which is frequently detected incidentally. The investigation of this entity remains complex, since characteristics of benign and malignant processes overlap in the differential diagnosis. Currently, many strategies are available to evaluate solitary pulmonary nodules with the main objective of characterizing benign lesions as best as possible, while avoiding to expose patients to the risks inherent to invasive methods, besides correctly detecting cases of lung cancer so as the potential curative treatment is not delayed. This first part of the study focuses on the epidemiology, the morfological evaluation and the methods to determine the likelihood of cancer in cases of indeterminate solitary pulmonary nodule.

Resumo O nódulo pulmonar solitário corresponde a um achado radiológico comum, cuja detecção ocorre frequentemente de forma incidental. A investigação desta entidade permanece complexa, uma vez que existem sobreposições entre as características dos processos benignos e malignos no seu diagnóstico diferencial. Atualmente, muitas estratégias estão disponíveis para a avaliação do nódulo pulmonar solitário, sendo que o objetivo principal consiste em caracterizar da melhor forma possível as alterações benignas, não expondo os pacientes aos riscos de métodos invasivos, e detectar corretamente os casos de câncer de pulmão, não retardando potencial tratamento curativo. Esta primeira parte do estudo tem como foco apresentar a epidemiologia, revisar a avaliação morfológica e demonstrar métodos para estimar a probabilidade de câncer em nódulo pulmonar solitário indeterminado.

Segmentação de candidatos a nódulo pulmonar baseado em tomografia computadorizada / Segmentation of pulmonary nodule candidates based on computed tomography

O presente trabalho apresenta uma metodologia para segmentação automática de candidatos a nódulos pulmonares solitários usando Autômato Celular. A detecção precoce de nódulos pulmonares solitários que podem vir a se tornar câncer é essencial para sobrevida dos pacientes. Para auxiliar os especialistas na identificação desses nódulos estão sendo desenvolvidos sistemas auxiliados por computadores que visam automatizar os trabalhos de detecção e classificação. A etapa de segmentação desempenha um papel fundamental na detecção automática de nódulos pulmonares, pois permite separar os elementos de imagem em regiões que apresentam a mesma propriedade ou característica. A metodologia utilizada nessa pesquisa inclui aquisição das imagens, eliminação de ruídos, segmentação do parênquima pulmonar e segmentação dos candidatos a nódulos pulmonares solitários. Os testes foram realizados utilizando conjunto de imagens da base LIDC-IDRI, contendo 739 nódulos. Os resultados mostram uma sensibilidade de 95,66% dos nódulos considerados.

The present work presents a methodology for automatic segmentation of pulmonary solitary nodules candidates using cellular automaton. Early detection of pulmonary solitary nodules that may become cancer is essential for survival of patients. To assist the experts in the identification of these nodules are being developed computer aided systems that aim to automate the work of detection and classification. The segmentation stage plays a key role in automatic detection of lung nodules, as it allows separating the image elements in regions, which have the same property or characteristic. The methodology used in the article includes acquisition of images, noise elimination, pulmonary parenchyma segmentation and segmentation of pulmonary solitary nodules candidates. The tests were conducted using set of images of the LIDC-IDRI base, containing 739 nodules. The test results show a sensitivity of 95.66% of the nodules.

PET/TC em câncer de pulmão: indicações, achados e perspectivas futuras / PET/CT in lung cancer: indications, findings and future perspectives

A utilização do PET-CT com FDG rapidamente se tornou uma importante ferramenta para a melhor caracterização de nódulo pulmonar solitário e no manejo do câncer de pulmão. A sensibilidade e especificidade desta modalidade não invasiva são maiores em comparação a outras técnicas de imagens convencionais, como a tomografia computadorizada. As vantagens e as limitações do método já estão bem estabelecidas, contudo, novas considerações da aplicabilidade estão sendo analisadas. Este artigo objetiva sintetizar os princípios básicos, indicações e perspectivas futuras do PET-CT na determinação de nódulo pulmonar solitário e no manejo do câncer de pulmão.

FDG PET-CT has quickly became an important tool to better characterize solitary pulmonary nodule and for the management of lung cancer. The sensitivity and specificity of this non-invasive technique is superior compared to others conventional imaging, like computed tomography. The advantages and limitations of the PET-CT are well established, however, new considerations of its application are being analyzed. This article aims to summarize the basic principles, indications and future perspectives of PET-CT in determining the solitary pulmonary nodule and the lung cancer management.

Nódulo Pulmonar Solitário ­ manejo na prática clínica / Solitary Pulmonary Nodule

O câncer de pulmão é um permanente desafio a todos aqueles que se dedicam ao tratamento de patologias pulmonares em função de sua alta mortalidade. O diagnostico precoce é a peça fundamental para a mudança destas estatísticas. Ao longo dos últimos anos muitos avanços foram percebidos em termos de tratamento, com terapias cada vez mais personalizadas, porém pouco se modificou nos métodos diagnósticos. Os programas de rastreamento, embora já sabidamente necessários, ainda não se solidificaram em torno de um modelo ideal e a ecoendoscopia (EBUS) também, infelizmente, não é uma realidade disponível para a maioria. Entretanto os nódulos pulmonares são cada vez mais frequentes na pratica diária. O reconhecimento das características clínicas e radiológicas associadas à malignidade é fundamental para o correto manejo destas lesões com identificação precoce dos casos suspeitos e menor exposição a métodos e procedimentos desnecessários.

Lung cancer is a permanent challenge to all those dedicated to the treatment of pulmonary diseases due to the high mortality. Early diagnosis is the key to changing these statistics. Over the last few years many advances have been perceived in terms of treatment, with increasingly personalized therapies, but little has changed in diagnostic methods. The screening programs, while already known to be necessary, have not yet solidified around an ideal model, and echoendoscopy (EBUS) is also, unfortunately, not a reality available to most. However, pulmonary nodules are becoming more frequent in daily practice. The recognition of clinical and radiological features associated with malignancy is fundamental for the correct management of these lesions with early identification of suspected cases and less exposure to unnecessary methods and procedures.