[Imaging features of primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma: report of 10 cases and literature review].
OBJECTIVE
To study the imaging features of primary pulmonary lymphoepitheliom-like carcinoma (LELC).


METHODS
Ten cases of primary pulmonary LELC were confirmed by surgery and pathology. The findings in clinical pathology, X-ray and CT were retrospectively analyzed and the related references were reviewed.


RESULTS
The clinical manifestations included coughing (5 cases), hemoptysis (2 cases), chest distress (4 cases), thoracodynia (3 cases), and fever (2 cases), with 3 cases being asymptomatic. Radiographically, primary pulmonary LELC appeared mainly as peripheral nodules or masses. The maximum diameter of the lesion was 2.3 to 12.4 cm. The lesions were slightly lobulated in 7 cases and spiky on the edge in 3 cases. Pleura retraction was shown in 3 cases. CT contrast scanning revealed light or significant enhancement in 5 cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary pulmonary LELC has some characteristic imaging features, but X-ray and CT only are not sufficient for a definite diagnosis, which still relies on bronchoscopic biopsy and percutaneous pulmonary puncture biopsy.
Gong
Yan
Y
Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. gongyan2006@hotmail.com
Chen
Wei-guo
WG
Ye
Hua-xiu
HX
Zheng
Tong
T
Zhang
Ling
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult