Differentiation of pulmonary solid nodules attached to the pleura detected by thin-section CT

ConclusionIn patients with a smoking history, SPANs abutting the mediastinal pleura, having larger size (>  15.6 mm in diameter), lobulation, narrow basement, or simultaneous hilar and mediastinal lymph nodule enlargement are more likely to be malignant.Critical relevance statementThe benign and malignant SPANs have significant differences in clinical and CT features. Understanding the differences between benign and malignant SPANs is helpful for selecting the high-risk ones and avoiding unnecessary surgical resection.Key points• The solid pleura-attached nodules (SPANs) are closely related to the pleura.• Relationship between nodule and pleura and pleural changes are important for differentiating SPANs.• Benign SPANs frequently have broad pleural thickening or embed in thickened pleura.• Smoking history and lesions abutting the mediastinal pleura are indicators of malignant SPANs.• Malignant SPANs usually have larger diameters, lobulation signs, narrow basements, and lymphadenopathy.Graphical Abstract
Source: Insights into Imaging - Category: Radiology Source Type: research