title: Dynamic contrast enhanced CT in nodule characterization: How we review and report.
abstract: Incidental indeterminate solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN) that measure less than 3 cm in size are an increasingly common finding on computed tomography (CT) worldwide. Once identified there are a number of imaging strategies that can be performed to help with nodule characterization. These include interval CT, dynamic contrast enhanced computed tomography (DCE-CT), (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET-CT). To date the most cost effective and efficient non-invasive test or combination of tests for optimal nodule characterization has yet to be determined.DCE-CT is a functional test that involves the acquisition of a dynamic series of images of a nodule before and following the administration of intravenous iodinated contrast medium. This article provides an overview of the current indications and limitations of DCE- CT in nodule characterization and a systematic approach to how to perform, analyse and interpret a DCE-CT scan.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, CB23 3RE, UK. nagmi.qureshi1@nhs.net.
authors.forename: Nagmi R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Qureshi
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Protection, Mount Vernon Hospital, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Northwood, HA6 2RN, UK.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Protection, Mount Vernon Hospital, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Northwood, HA6 2RN, UK.
authors.forename: Rosemary J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Eaton
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia.|Institute of Nuclear Medicine, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Miles
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 218 Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
authors.forename: Fiona J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Gilbert
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D003074:Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
keywords: Dynamic contrast enhanced CT; Solitary pulmonary nodules