The radiographic diagnostic value of low intensity reduction of the lung compliance in malignant neoplasms.
The evaluation of low-intensity reduction in the compliance of the lung parenchyma (LIRCLP) can, we believe, give early diagnostic signs from a few months to two or more years before the time at which diagnosis can be made today from chest radiograms or CT scan of the chest in a significant number of cases of secondary lung neoplasm. Moreover, it can provide valuable information on small improvements or deteriorations in the great majority of patients with malignant neoplasms of the lung during the course of the illness. In general, the evaluation of LIRCLP improves the diagnostic capabilities not only of chest radiograms but also to some degree of CT scans of the chest. We consider that, apart from malignant neoplasms of the lung, it may also be of use in a large number of pathological conditions of the lung. We propose that the term hypoatelectasis be used for LIRCLP.
Felekis
Vasilios A
VA
Department of Radiology, Aghios Savvas Oncology Hospital, Athens, Greece. fbill@hol.gr
D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008170:Lung Compliance; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed