[CT findings of localized lymphatic spread of lung cancer: correlation with pathologic findings].
OBJECTIVE
The appearance of localized lymphatic spread of lung cancer as evaluated by computed tomography (CT) was correlated with the pathologic specimens in 178 patients. Clinical significance was also studied, with emphasis on nodal staging (N factor).


METHODS
Eighteen of 178 patients histopathologically demonstrated severe lymphatic spread of lung cancer along the bronchovascular bundles. CT findings of localized lymphatic spread of lung cancer and nodal staging of 18 patients were retrospectively reviewed and compared with 160 patients with no severe localized lymphatic spread of lung cancer.


RESULTS
All 18 patients with severe lymphatic spread showed linear opacities extending from the tumor to the pulmonary hilum or peripheral pleura depending on the location of lung cancer. Ten of the 18 patients also showed regional thickening of bronchovascular bundles. The nodal staging of these 18 patients was more aggressive than that of other patients without severe lymphatic spread.


CONCLUSIONS
If linear opacities and regional thickening of bronchovascular bundles extending from the tumor to pulmonary hilum or peripheral pleura are demonstrated on CT, severe lymphatic spread of lung cancer can be strongly suspected, and lung cancer staging should be done carefully.
Tsuchiya
A
A
Department of Radiology, Showa University School of Medicine.
Kushihashi
T
T
Munechika
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed