Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma: computed tomography findings

The aim of the present study was to investigate the appearance of bronchioloalveolar lung carcinoma on computed tomography (CT) scans, and to determine the frequency of signs suggestive of this diagnosis. CT features of 42 cases with pathologically proven bronchioloalveolar carcinoma were retrospectively analysed for pattern, size, location and secondary signs suggesting the diagnosis. Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma had one of the following patterns: solitary nodule or mass (16), lobar consolidation (10), multilobar consolidations (13) and diffuse nodules (3). The 16 solitary nodules or masses ranged in size from 2.0 to 9.4 cm (mean +/- SD 3.75 +/- 1.7 cm). Eleven of the 16 nodules or masses were peripheral and five were central: Eight of the 16 tumours had pleural tags, seven had spiculated margins, and three had bubblelike lucencies. The consolidations were peripherally distributed in 13 out of 23 cases; cystic airspaces were observed in 19 out of 23 consolidations; bulging of interlobar fissures in 8 out of 23; and the angiogram sign in 7 out of 23. In conclusion, computed tomography findings of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma have a wide spectrum, showing typically a peripheral nodule or consolidation. Computed tomography has a role in the diagnosis of nodular localized versus other forms, with subsequent therapeutic and prognostic implications.

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