Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2020; 68(07): 652-658
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-3400473
Original Thoracic

Imaging Features and Clinical Decision Analysis of 110 Cases of Intrapulmonary Lymph Nodes

Zixu Liu
1   Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
,
Minjun Du
1   Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
,
Xingkai Li
1   Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
,
Shaolong Ju
1   Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
,
Yushun Gao
1   Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Objective Through the summary and analysis of large samples, the characteristic imaging manifestations of intrapulmonary lymph nodes (IPLNs) were quantified, and two corresponding rating tables were developed. These rating tables could be used to distinguish the IPLNs from primary lung cancer, so as to improve the diagnostic accuracy and help clinicians make correct judgments and decisions.

Methods A total of 82 patients with 110 IPLNs and 35 patients with primary lung cancer lesions were collected from June 2017 to December 2018. All lesions were solid nodules of less than 12 mm in diameter, which were confirmed by pathology. Observation indicators included location, size, shape, density, border and internal vacuoles of nodules, linear high-density shadow around the nodules, distance from the pleura, pleural indentation, and so on.

Results There were statistically significant differences in the location, size, shape, internal vacuole of the nodules, and distance from the pleura (p < 0.05). The diagnostic scoring table of the nature of solid nodules and the malignant risk table were drawn. The nodule corresponding to Level A was most likely the primary lung cancer, and surgical resection was recommended. The nodule corresponding to Level C was most likely IPLNs, and it was better to receive no treatment currently. The positive predictive value was 81% (23/28), the negative predictive value was 97% (89/92), the sensitivity was 63% (23/35), and the specificity was 81% (89/110).

Conclusion For the pulmonary solid nodules of less than 12 mm in diameter and unknown nature, the evaluation in accordance with the Score Table and the Risk Level Table of this study can be more accurate and faster than the original judgment, which will help clinicians in diagnosis and treatment decisions.



Publication History

Received: 03 August 2019

Accepted: 07 October 2019

Article published online:
26 December 2019

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Stuttgart · New York

 
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