Role of the texture features of images in the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules in different sizes

Objective： To explore the role of the texture features of images in the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules （SPNs） in different sizes. Materials and methods： A total of 379 patients with pathologically confirmed SPNs were enrolled in this study. They were divided into three groups based on the SPN sizes： ≤10, 11-20, and 〉20 mm. Their texture features were segmented and extracted. The differences in the image features between benign and malignant SPNs were compared. The SPNs in these three groups were determined and analyzed with the texture features of images. Results： These 379 SPNs were successfully segmented using the 2D Otsu threshold method and the self-adaptive threshold segmentation method. The texture features of these SPNs were obtained using the method of grey level co-occurrence matrix （GLCM）. Of these 379 patients, 120 had benign SPNs and 259 had malignant SPNs. The entropy, contrast, energy, homogeneity, and correlation were 3.5597±0.6470, 0.5384±0.2561, 0.1921±0.1256, 0.8281±0.0604, and 0.8748±0.0740 in the benign SPNs and 3.8007±0.6235, 0.6088±0.2961, 0.1673±0.1070, 0.7980±0.0555, and 0.8550±0.0869 in the malignant SPNs （all P〈0.05）. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the texture features of images were 83.3%, 90.0%, and 86.8%, respectively, for SPNs sized 〈10 mm, and were 86.6%, 88.2%, and 87.1%, respectively, for SPNs sized 11-20 mm and 94.7%, 91.8%, and 93.9%, respectively, for SPNs sized 〉20 mm. Conclusions： The entropy and contrast of malignant pulmonary nodules have been demonstrated to be higher in comparison to those of benign pulmonary nodules, while the energy, homogeneity correlation of malignant pulmonary nodules are lower than those of benign pulmonary nodules. The texture features of images can reflect the tissue features and have high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in differentiating SPNs. The sensitivity and accuracy increase for larger SPNs.

Enhanced characterization of solid solitary pulmonary nodules with Bayesian analysis-based computer-aided diagnosis

The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the accuracy gain of Bayesian analysis-based computeraided diagnosis(CAD) vs human judgment alone in characterizing solitary pulmonary nodules(SPNs) at computed tomography(CT). The study included 100 randomly selected SPNs with a definitive diagnosis. Nodule features at first and follow-up CT scans as well as clinical data were evaluated individually on a 1 to 5 points risk chart by 7 radiologists, firstly blinded then aware of Bayesian Inference Malignancy Calculator(BIMC) model predictions. Raters' predictions were evaluated by means of receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis and decision analysis. Overall ROC area under the curve was 0.758 before and 0.803 after the disclosure of CAD predictions(P = 0.003). A net gain in diagnostic accuracy was found in 6 out of 7 readers. Mean risk class of benign nodules dropped from 2.48 to 2.29, while mean risk class of malignancies rose from 3.66 to 3.92. Awareness of CAD predictions also determined a significant drop on mean indeterminate SPNs(15 vs 23.86 SPNs) and raised the mean number of correct and confident diagnoses(mean 39.57 vs 25.71 SPNs). This study provides evidence supporting the integration of the Bayesian analysis-based BIMC model in SPN characterization.

Comparison of Various Parameters of DWI in Distinguishing Solitary Pulmonary Nodules

In order to prospectively assess various parameters of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI)in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs),58 patients (40 men and 18 women,and mean age of 48.1±10.4years old) with SPNs undergoing conventional MR,DWI using b=500s/mm^2 on a 1.5T MR scanner, were studied.Various DWI parameters [apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC),lesion-to-spinal cord signal intensity ratio (LSR),signal intensity (SI)score] were calculated and compared between malignant and benign SPNs groups.A receiver operating characteristic (ROC)curve analysis was employed to compare the diagnostic capabilities of all the parameters for discrimination between benign and malignant SPNs.The results showed that there were 42 malignant and 16 benign SPNs.The ADC was significantly,lower in malignant SPNs (1.40±0.44)×10^-3mm^2/s than in benign SPNs (1.81±0.58)×10^-3mm^2/ s.The LSR and SI scores were significantly increased in malignant SPNs (0.90±0.37 and 2.8±1.2)as compared with those in benign SPNs (0.68±0.39 and 2.2±1.2).The area under the ROC curves (AUC)of all parameters was not significantly different between malignant SPNs and benign SPNs.It was suggested that as three reported parameters for DWI,ADC,LSR and SI scores are all feasible for discrimination of malignant and benign SPNs.The three parameters have equal diagnostic performance.

Comparison of three mathematical prediction models in patients with a solitary pulmonary nodule

Background： Effective methods for managing patients with solitary pulmonary nodules（SPNs） depend critically on the predictive probability of malignancy.Methods： Between July 2009 and June 2011, data on gender, age, cancer history, tumor familial history, smoking status, tumor location, nodule size, spiculation, calcification, the tumor border, and the final pathological diagnosis were collected retrospectively from 154 surgical patients with an SPN measuring 3-30 mm. Each final diagnosis was compared with the probability calculated by three predicted models—the Mayo, VA, and Peking University（PU） models. The accuracy of each model was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristics（ROC） and calibration curves.Results： The area under the ROC curve of the PU model [0.800; 95% confidence interval（CI）： 0.708-0.891] was higher than that of the Mayo model（0.753; 95% CI： 0.650-0.857） or VA model（0.728; 95% CI： 0.623-0.833）; however, this finding was not statistically significant. To varying degrees, calibration curves showed that all three models overestimated malignancy.Conclusions： The three predicted models have similar accuracy for prediction of SPN malignancy, although the accuracy is not sufficient. For Chinese patients, the PU model may has greater predictive power.Background： Here, we introduced our short experience on the application of a new CUSA Excel ultrasonic aspiration system, which was provided by Integra Lifesciences corporation, in skull base meningiomas resection.Methods： Ten patients with anterior, middle skull base and sphenoid ridge meningioma were operated using the CUSA Excel ultrasonic aspiration system at the Neurosurgery Department of Shanghai Huashan Hospital from August 2014 to October 2014. There were six male and four female patients, aged from 38 to 61 years old（the mean age was 48.5 years old）. Five cases with tumor located at anterior skull base, three cases with tumor on middle skull base, and two cases with tumor on sphenoid ridge.Results： All the patents received total resection of meningiomas with the help of this new tool, and the critical brain vessels and nerves were preserved during operations. All the patients recovered well after operation.Conclusions： This new CUSA Excel ultrasonic aspiration system has the advantage of preserving vital brain arteries and cranial nerves during skull base meningioma resection, which is very important for skull base tumor operations. This key step would ensure a well prognosis for patients. We hope the neurosurgeons would benefit from this kind of technique.Background： The purposes of this study were to explore the effects of high mobility group protein box 1（HMGB1） gene on the growth, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis of glioma cells, with an attempt to provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of glioma. Methods： The expressions of HMGB1 in glioma cells（U251, U-87 MG and LN-18） and one control cell line（SVG p12） were detected by real time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Then, the effects of HMGB1 on the biological behaviors of glioma cells were detected： the expression of HMGB1 in human glioma cell lines U251 and U-87 MG were suppressed using RNAi technique, then the influences of HMGB1 on the viability, cycle, apoptosis, and invasion abilities of U251 and U-87 MG cells were analyzed using in a Transwell invasion chamber. Also, the effects of HMGB1 on the expressions of cyclin D1, Bax, Bcl-2, and MMP 9 were detected. Results： As shown by real-time PCR and Western blotting, the expression of HMGB1 significantly increased in glioma cells（U251, U-87 MG, and LN-18） in comparison with the control cell line（SVG p12）; the vitality, proliferation and invasive capabilities of U251 and U-87 MG cells in the HMGB1 siR NA-transfected group were significantly lower than those in the blank control group and negative control（NC） siR NA group（P〈0.05） but showed no significant difference between the blank control group and NC siR NA group. The percentage of apoptotic U251 and U-87 MG cells was significantly higher in the HMGB1 siR NA-transfected group than in the blank control group and NC siR NA group（P〈0.05） but was similar between the latter two groups. The HMGB1 siR NA-transfected group had significantly lower expression levels of Cyclin D1, Bcl-2, and MMP-9 protein in U251 and U-87 MG cells and significantly higher expression of Bax protein than in the blank control group and NC siR NA group（P〈0.05）; the expression profiles of cyclin D1, Bax, Bcl-2, and MMP 9 showed no significant change in both blank control group and NC siR NA group. Conclusions： HMGB1 gene may promote the proliferation and migration of glioma cells and suppress its effects of apoptosis. Inhibition of the expression of HMGB1 gene can suppress the proliferation and migration of glioma cells and promote their apoptosis. Our observations provided a new target for intervention and treatment of glioma.

Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Solitary Pulmonary Nodule: Literature Review

The solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is frequently seen on chest radiographs and computed tomography (CT), usually the identification is accidental. The overall prevalence of malignancy is relatively low but identification of malignancy of nodule is of prime importance. There are different characters of nodules indicating malignancy, and also the exposure of person to risk factors increases the chances of malignancy of nodule. Chances of malignancy rise with increasing size, the irregular, lobulated border of the nodules is highly associated with higher probability of malignancy and nodules with pure ground grass appearance have higher probability of malignancy, irregularly marginated nodule displaying a corona radiata sign indicating neoplastic infiltration with distortion of neighbouring tissue is almost certainly a malignant nodule. Stippled, punctuate, and eccentric calcifications are suggestive of malignancy. There are 20% - 75% of chances of malignancy if nodule is appeared with ground-glass opacity. Malignant nodules have higher growth rate as compared with benign nodules, malignant nodules usually have doubling time (DT) of 30 - 400 days while DT of more than 450 days is sign of benignity whereas doubling time less than 30 days is usually acute infectious process. The presence of fat within nodule is sign of benignity. Increasing density of the nodule is suggestive of malignancy and requires shorter follow up. Besides the nodule evaluation the chances of malignancy can also be evaluated through the exposure of patient to risk factors like age, current and past smoking status and history of extra thoracic malignancy. The management depends upon various factors mainly three strategies are applied for management including careful observation of nodule, use of diagnostic techniques like CT FNA, PET, and broncoscopy and surgery.

Correlation between the quantifiable parameters of blood flow pattern derived with dynamic CT in malignant solitary pulmonary nodules and tumor size

Objective： To evaluate the correlation between the quantifiable parameters of blood flow pattern derived with dynamic CT in malignant solitary pulmonary nodules and tumor size. Methods： Sixty-eight patients with malignant solitary pulmonary nodules （SPNs） （diameter 〈4 cm） underwent multi-location dynamic contrast material-enhanced （nonionic contrast material was administrated via the antecubitai vein at a rate of 4mL/s by using an autoinjector, 4×5 mm or 4×2.5 mm scanning mode with stable table were performed）. Precontrast and postcontrast attenuation on every scan was recorded. Blood flow （BF）, peak, height （PHSPN）, ratio of peak height of the SPN to that of the aorta （SPN-to-A ratio） and mean transit time （MTT） were calculated. The correlation between the quantifiable parameters of blood flow pattern derived with dynamic CT in malignant solitary pulmonary nodules and tumor size were assessed by means of linear regression analysis. Results： No significant correlations were found between the tumor size and each of the peak height （PHSPN） （35.79±10.76 Hu）, ratio of peak height of the SPN to that of the aorta （SPN-to-A ratio）, （14.27%±4.37） and blood flow （BF） （30.18 mL/min/100 g±9.58） （r=0.180, P=0.142〉0.05; r=0.205, P=0.093〉0.05; r=0.008, P=0.947〉0.05）. Conclusion： No significant correlations were found between the tumor size and each of the quantifiable parameters of blood flow pattern derived with dynamic CT in malignant solitary pulmonary nodules.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI versus ^(18)F-FDG PET/CT: Which is better in differentiation between malignant and benign solitary pulmonary nodules?

Objective： To prospectively compare the discriminative capacity of dynamic contrast enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging（DCE-MRI） with that of^18F-fluorodeoxyglucose（^18F-FDG） positron emission tomography/computed tomography（PET/CT） in the differentiation of malignant and benign solitary pulmonary nodules（SPNs）.Methods： Forty-nine patients with SPNs were included in this prospective study. Thirty-two of the patients had malignant SPNs, while the other 17 had benign SPNs. All these patients underwent DCE-MRI and ^18F-FDG PET/CT examinations. The quantitative MRI pharmacokinetic parameters, including the trans-endothelial transfer constant（K^trans）, redistribution rate constant（Kep）, and fractional volume（Ve）, were calculated using the Extended-Tofts Linear two-compartment model. The ^18F-FDG PET/CT parameter, maximum standardized uptake value（SUV（max））, was also measured. Spearman＇s correlations were calculated between the MRI pharmacokinetic parameters and the SUV（max） of each SPN. These parameters were statistically compared between the malignant and benign nodules. Receiver operating characteristic（ROC） analyses were used to compare the diagnostic capability between the DCE-MRI and ^18F-FDG PET/CT indexes.Results： Positive correlations were found between K^trans and SUV（max）, and between K（ep） and SUV（max）（P〈0.05）.There were significant differences between the malignant and benign nodules in terms of the K^trans, K（ep） and SUV（max） values（P〈0.05）. The areas under the ROC curve（AUC） of K^trans） K（ep） and SUV（max） between the malignant and benign nodules were 0.909, 0.838 and 0.759, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity in differentiating malignant from benign SPNs were 90.6% and 82.4% for K^trans; 87.5% and 76.5% for K（ep）; and 75.0% and 70.6%for SUV（max）, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of K^trans and K（ep） were higher than those of SUV（max）, but there was no significant difference between them（P〉0.05）.Conclusions： DCE-MRI can be used to differentiate between benign and malignant SPNs and has the advantage of being radiation free.

Dynamic enhanced multi-slice spiral CT in evaluation of blood flow patterns of solitary pulmonary nodules with enhancement

Objective To investigate the methods of dynamic enhanced multi-slice spiral CT in evaluation of blood flow patterns of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) with enhancement. Methods Seventy-eight patients with SPNs (≤4 cm) with strong enhancement underwent dynamic multi-slice spiral CT (Marconi Mx8000) scan before and after contrast enhancement by injecting contrast material with a rate of 4 mL/s. For the 40 patients in protocol one, one scan was obtained every 2 seconds during 15--45 and 75--105 seconds after injection, while for the 38 patients in protocol two, one scan was obtained every 2 seconds during 11--41 and 71--101 seconds. For all the patients, one scan was obtained every 30 seconds during 2--9 minutes. The section thickness was 2.5 mm for lesions ≤3 cm and 5 mm for lesions >3 cm. Standard algorithm was used in the image reconstruction. Precontrast and postcontrast attenuation on every scan was recorded. The perfusion, peak height, ratio of peak height of the SPN to that of the aorta and mean transit time were calculated. Results The peak height, perfusion, ratio of peak height of the SPN to that of the aorta and mean transit time in malignant SPNs were 34.85 Hu±10.87 Hu, 30.37 ml/(min·100 g)±11.14 ml/(min·100 g), 13.78%± 3.96% , 14.19 s±6.19 s respectively in protocol one, while those in protocol two were 36.62 Hu±10.75 Hu, 30.01 ml/(min·100 g)±8.10 ml/(min·100 g), 14.70 %±4.71%, 13.91 s±4.82 s respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the peak height (t= 0.673, P=0.503), perfusion (t= 0.152 , P=0.880), ratio of peak height of the SPN to that of the aorta (t= 0.861, P=0.393) and mean transit time (t= 0.199, P=0.843) in malignant SPNs measured in protocol one and those measured in protocol two. All mean transit time in protocol two (36/36) were obtained, but only part of them (25/32) were obtained in protocol one. Conclusion Dynamic enhanced multi-slice spiral CT is a non-invasive method for quantitative evaluation of blood flow patterns of SPNs with enhancement and scans beginning at 11 seconds after injection of contrast material is suggested.

Blood flow patterns of solitary pulmonary nodules with enhancement

Objective： To evaluate the efficacy of dynamic multi-slice spiral computed tomography （MSCT） for providing quantitative information about blood flow patterns of solitary pulmonary nodules （SPNs）. Methods： Seventy-eight patients with SPNs （diameter 〈 4 cm; 68 malignant; 10 active inflammatory） were underwent multi-location dynamic contrast material-enhanced serial CT （nonionic contrast material was administrated via the antecubital vein at a rate of 4 mLJs by using an autoinjector, 4 × 5 mm or 4 × 2.5 mm transverse scanning mode with stable table were performed）. Sixteen series CT scans （16 scans each for the first and second series and one scan each for the rest series） were obtained during 9 min scanning period. Precontrast and postcontrast attenuation on every scan was recorded. Perfusion, peak height and ratio of peak height of the SPN to that of the aorta were calculated. Perfusion was calculated from the maximum gradient of the time-attenuation curve and the peak height of the aorta. Results： No statistically significant difference in the peak height was found between malignant （35.79 ± 10.76 Hu） and active inflammatory （39.76 ± 4.59 Hu） （t = 1.148, P = 0.255 〉 0.05）. SPN-to-aorta ratio （14.27% ± 4.37） and perfusion value （30.18 mL/min/100 g ± 9.58） in malignant SPNs were significantly lower than those of active inflammatory （18.51% ± 2.71, 63.44 mL/min/100 g ± 43.87） （t = 2.978, P = 0.004 〈 0.05; t = 5.590, P 〈 0.0001）. Conclusion： The quantitative information about blood flow patterns of malignant and active inflammatory SPNs is different. SPN-to-aorta ratio and perfusion value are helpful in differentiating malignant nodules from active inflammatory.

BLOOD FLOW PATTERN AND QUANTITATIVE STUDY IN SOLITARY PULMONARY NODULES WITH DYNAMIC CONTRAST-ENHANCED MRI

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of contrast enhanced dynamic MRI in differentiating solitary pulmonary nodules（SPNs）. Methods Eighty-three patients with SPNs undertaken contrast enhanced dynamic MRI. Time-signal intensity curve （T-SI Curve） was made. Peak height （PH） , steepest slope （SS）, maximum enhancement （ Emax ） and the enhancement rates of signal intensity were recorded at the frst （ E1 ）, second （ E2 ）, third （ E3 ） , fourth （ E4 ） , fifth （E5）, and sixth （ E6 ） minute after injection. Results Malignant nodules and inflammatory nodules enhanced significantly higher than benign nodules, and malignant nodules and inflammatory nodules showed obviously higher PH, SS, Emax, El-E6 values than benign nodules （ P 〈 0. 01 ）. There were no sig- nificant differences in PH, SS, Emax, E1-E6 values between malignant nodules and inflammatory nodules （P 〉 0. 05）. Conclusion Contrast enhanced dynamic MR imaging can provide SPNs＇ hemodynamic information and is helpful in differentiating SPNs.

Analysis of 96 cases of solitary pulmonary nodule diagnosed by MSCT

Objective:The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic value of multi-slice computer tomography(MSCT) in solitary pulmonary nodule(SPN).Methods:Contrastive analysis of the differences of CT signs between benign and malignant SPN.Results:The typical sign of pleural indentation was a reliable sign for lung cancers.Vacuole sign suggested lung cancer highly.Blood vessels cluster involving the vein alone had big opportunity to lung cancer.Type I tumor-bronchial relation was the most common relation in lung cancers.Type V tumor–bronchial relation was the most common relation in benign SPN.Conclusion:MSCT had a very high diagnostic value in SPN.

Decision-tree analysis for cost-effective management of solitary pulmonary nodules in China

AIM: To analyze the cost-effectiveness of the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodule(SPN) in China. METHODS: Decision analysis models were constructed to assess the cost-effectiveness of four strategies for the management of SPN: computed tomography(CT) alone, CT plus CT-guided automated cutting needle biopsy(ACNB), CT plus positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT), CT plus diffusionweighted magnetic resonance imaging(DWI) plus PET/CT. RESULTS: The prevalence of lung cancer among SPN discovered in the clinical setting was approximately 50%. The CT plus ACNB strategy had higher diagnostic accuracies(87% vs 81%), with a cost saving of $1945 RMB per patient, and reducing unnecessary thoracotomy by 16.5%; this was associated with a 4.5% missed diagnosis rate. CT plus DWI plus PET/CT strategy also had higher accuracies(95% vs 81%), with a cost saving of $590 RMB per patient, and reducing unneces-sary thoracotomy by 13.5%; this was accompanied by 0.3% missed diagnosis rate. CT plus PET strategy is cost effective at a prevalence rate of 0-34%, but there was a larger prevalence range of lung cancer for CT plus ACNB strategy(from 0 to 0.6) and CT plus DWI plus PET/CT strategy(from 0 to 0.64). CONCLUSION: CT plus DWI plus PET/CT strategy was cost-effective, and had a higher accuracy accompanied by a lower missed diagnosis rate than CT plus ACNB strategy.

The effect of single-operation-hole thoracoscopic surgery on elderly solitary pulmonary nodules and its effects on lung function and prognosis

Objective:To investigate the effect of single-operation-hole thoracoscopic surgery on elderly solitary pulmonary nodules and its effects on lung function and prognosis.Methods:64 patients with solitary pulmonary nodules admitted to our hospital were selected. According to the different surgical treatment methods, they were divided into the study group and the control group, each group with 32 cases. The study group was treated with single-operation-hole thoracoscopic pulmonary nodule resection, and the control group was treated with conventional multi-operation-holes thoracoscopic pulmonary nodule resection. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared. Results: The postoperative drainage time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, postoperative drainage volume and hospitalization cost of the study group were significantly better than those of the control group (P<0.05), and there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the duration of operation and the incidence of adverse reactions (such as postoperative pulmonary atelectasis and pulmonary infection) (P>0.05). There was no difference in lung function between the two groups before operation (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the lung function indexes of the postoperative study group were significantly improved (P<0.05). There was no difference in the overall survival rate and tumor-free survival rate of the two groups after operation for half a year (P>0.05). The VAS scores of the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group on the 1st and 3rd day after operation (P<0.05). There was no difference in the quality of life between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05), but the overall health status, physiological feature, physiological function, physical pain and energy of the patients in the study group after treatment were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in social function, emotional function and mental health (P>0.05).Conclusions: Single-operation-hole thoracoscopic surgery is effective in the treatment of elderly solitary pulmonary nodules. It can not only accelerate the recovery of patients but also improve their lung function, without affecting the prognosis of patients, which can improve their quality of life. It is worthy of clinical application, but should strictly control the indications for surgery.

INCREMENTAL DYNAMIC COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY IN SURGICAL TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH SOLITARY PULMONARY NODULES

Objective The purpose of this study is to appraise the value of incremental dynamic enhanced computed tomography in surgical treatment of patients with solitary pulmonary nodules(SPNs).Methods The data of 42 cases with solitary pulmonary nodules who underwent surgical treatment from May 2002 to June 2003 in our hospital were collected to find the relationship between preoperative dynamic enhanced CT image and postoperative pathology.Result All bronchogenic carcinoma showed significant enhancement after intravenous 100 mL iodinated contrast material.The average degree of enhancement of bronchogenic carcinoma was significantly different from that of tuberculoma and other benign lesions.Conclusion Dynamic enhanced computed tomography is very valuable in distinguishing between malignant nodules and benign ones.Emphasis should be paid to lymph nodes in the dynamic enhanced computed tomography,which is useful both to the diagnosis of SPN and for surgical treatment.

Bronchoscopic Diagnosis of Solitary Pulmonary Nodules with the Use of NIR Spectroscopy

Background: Recently, SPN has become a much more frequently encountered issue in bronchology. Efficient and reliable guidance method for SPN morphological proof is highly needed. Objectives: The aim of study was to compare the diagnostic values of NIR (near infrared) spectroscopy with EBUS for SPN diagnostic. Fluoroscopic guidance with TBB and needle biopsy were done in all patients. Methods: In our study, we used two types of monitoring systems. Fluoroscopic guidance was combined with either a radial EBUS or a NIR spectroscopy probe for tissue confirmation. 139 male and 71 female patients, having a medial age of 68 years with CT/PET findings of metabolically active SPN were examined between 2/2010 and 2/2013. We designed an instrument for measurement of the penetration of the NIR through lung tissue. Indicating and source fibers were navigated towards the SPN. An EBUS radial probe was used, during fluoroscopic navigation. Results: The statistical analysis of the results obtained showed a comparative specificity and sensitivity of the NIR spectroscopy, with radial EBUS. Conclusions: NIR spectroscopy produced similar efficacies as the radial EBUS. However, the number of positive biopsies was more dependent upon the ability to direct the confirmatory device to the SPN during fluoroscopic guidance than on the type of the device.

Solitary primary pulmonary synovial sarcoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Synovial sarcoma(SS)is an uncommon and highly malignant soft tissue sarcoma in the clinic,with primary pulmonary SS(PPSS)being extremely rare.Here,we describe the clinical characteristics,diagnosis,and treatment of a solitary PPSS case confirmed via surgical resection and fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH).CASE SUMMARY A 33-year-old man was admitted because of intermittent coughing and hemoptysis for one month,with lung shadows observed for two years.Wholebody positron emission tomography-computed tomography(PET-CT)revealed a solitary mass in the upper lobe of the right lung,with uneven radioactivity uptake and a maximum standardized uptake value of 5.6.The greyish-yellow specimen obtained following thoracoscopic resection was covered with small multinodulated structures and consisted of soft tissue.Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed spindle-shaped malignant tumor cells.Immunohistochemistry indicated these tumor cells were CD99 and BCL-2-positive.Furthermore,the FISH test revealed synovial sarcoma translocation genetic reassortment,which confirmed the diagnosis of SS.CONCLUSION PPSS is extremely rare and tends to be misdiagnosed as many primary pulmonary diseases.PET-CT,histologic analysis,and FISH tests can be used to differentiate PPSS from other diseases.Surgical resection is regularly recommended for the treatment of solitary PPSS and is helpful for improving the prognosis.

Difference in microvascular structure between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules and its relationship with CT enhancement

Objective： To investigate the enhancement basis and the mechanisms of solitary pulmonary nodules （SPNs） by comparing the differences in microvascular structure between benign and malignant lesions. Methods： Dynamic contrast-enhanced CT scan was performed on 53 patients with SPNs （diameter〈3 cm, 38 peripheral lung cancers, 5 hamartomas, 10 inflammatory lesions） using a Siemens Plus S or a Marconi MX8000 multi slices spiral CT scanner. The time-attenuation curves were interpreted. The microvascular density （MVD） and the continuity of the microvessels＇ basemental membrane in the dissected specimens were observed with the ABC （avldin-biotin complex） immuno-histochemical method in all patients. Results ：The CT enhancement values of lung cancer （49.05± 16.08 HU） and inflammatory lesions （49.59±21.30 HU） were significantly higher than those of hamartoma （8.98±4.56 HU） t=7.48, P〈0.051 t=8.35, P〈0.05）. But the enhancement of lung cancer was similar to that of inflammatory lesions （t=0.76, P±0. 05）. The time attenuation curve of inflammatory lesions tended to increase faster and reached a higher peak compared to the lung cancer, and both of them maintained a high plateau after crossing. The hamartoma showed a slight increase in the time-attenuation curve and demonstrated a lowplateau curve. The MVD of SPNs was positively correlated with CT enhancement （r=0. 8051）. The microvascular counts of peripheral lung cancer （48.45±10. 09） and inflammatory lesions （49. 60±19. 94） were significantly higher than those of hamartoma （8.70±7. 30） （t=11. 64, P〈0.001, t=6. 09, P〈0. 001 ）, but no significant difference was found between lung cancer and inflammatory lesions （t= -0.26, P=0.799）. There was no difference in the continuity of basement membrane between nodules with anen haneement less than 30 HU and those with an enhancement higher than 30HU （X^2=3. 13, P〉0.05 ）. Conclusion： The microvascular counts mainly contribute to the enhancement value of SPNs. The basement membrane is not related to nodule enhancement, but it might influence the pattern of the time-attenuation curve.

基于CT征象和血清巨噬细胞集落刺激因子、β-连环蛋白构建的联合模型对孤立性肺结节的评估价值

目的探讨基于CT征象和血清巨噬细胞集落刺激因子(M-CSF)、β-连环蛋白(β-Catenin)构建的联合模型对孤立性肺结节的评估价值。方法选取2020年2月至2023年2月萍乡市人民医院病理结果显示孤立性肺结节的105例患者作为研究对象,以孤立性肺结节性质为结局指标,软件计算建模组所需样本量为75例,故随机抽取75例作为建模组、其余30例作为验证组,分析建模组孤立性肺结节不同性质患者一般资料、CT征象、生化指标,多因素logistic回归分析法筛选影响孤立性肺结节性质的独立影响因子,并建立预测模型。用验证组临床资料进行验证并将验证组临床资料代入预测模型,根据预测概率绘制ROC曲线评估该预测模型的效能。结果建模组75例病例中,良性肺结节43例(57.33%)、恶性肺结节32例(42.67)。单因素分析结果显示,良性、恶性肺结节患者毛刺征、分叶征、血管集束征、胸膜凹陷征、磨玻璃密度、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、白细胞介素-8(IL-8)、癌胚抗原(CEA)、神经特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)、M-CSF、β-Catenin水平与建模组孤立性肺结节性质有关,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。多因素logistic回归分析显示:毛刺征(β=1.572,OR=1.612,95%CI=1.475~2.159)、分叶征(β=1.484,OR=1.650,95%CI=1.408~2.184)、血管集束征(β=1.292,OR=1.674,95%CI=1.466~2.198)、磨玻璃密度(β=1.307,OR=1.785,95%CI=1.501~2.263)、CEA(β=0.915,OR=1.797,95%CI=1.505~2.199)、NSE(β=0.920,OR=1.824,95%CI=1.618~2.218)、M-CSF(β=0.859,OR=1.765,95%CI=1.506~2.301)、β-Catenin(β=0.867,OR=1.806,95%CI=1.542~2.325)是影响建模组孤立性肺结节性质的独立危险因素(P<0.05),据此建立的联合模型ROC曲线结果显示:该模型评估孤立性肺结节良恶性的灵敏度为90.50%、特异度为75.26%、AUC为0.880(95%CI=0.802~0.935)、阳性似然比为4.05、阴性似然比为0.12、阳性预测值为82.80%、阴性预测值为89.90%。结论毛刺征、分叶征、血管集束征、磨玻璃密度及CEA、NSE、M-CSF、β-Catenin水平升高是影响孤立性肺结节良恶性的独立影响因素,据此构建的联合模型评估孤立性肺结节良恶性的效能较高。

PET/CT联合血清lncRNA THRIL、miR-98-5p检测对孤立性肺结节良恶性的诊断价值

目的 探究正电子发射断层扫描和计算机断层扫描(PET/CT)联合血清长链非编码RNA THRIL(lncRNA THRIL),微小RNA-98-5p(miR-98-5p)检测对孤立性肺结节(SPN)良恶性的鉴别诊断价值。方法 选取2022年5月至2023年5月在南阳市中心医院收治的115例SPN患者作为研究对象,根据病理检查结果将SPN患者分为良性组(75例)和恶性组(40例),比较两组血清lncRNA THRIL、miR-98-5p表达水平。Pearson法分析血清lncRNA THRIL与miR-98-5p的相关性。一致性Kappa检验比较PET/CT、血清lncRNA THRIL、miR-98-5p单独及联合诊断SPN恶性与病理结果的一致性。受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析PET/CT检查联合血清lncRNA THRIL、miR-98-5p水平对恶性SPN的诊断价值。结果 恶性组血清lncRNA THRIL水平比良性组高,miR-98-5p水平比良性组低(P<0.05)。Pearson分析显示,lncRNA THRIL与miR-98-5p表达呈负相关(r=-0.491,P<0.05),且lncRNA THRIL与miR-98-5p有靶向结合位点。PET/CT、血清lncRNA THRIL、miR-98-5p联合共诊断出38例恶性SPN患者,与病理诊断的一致性较高,Kappa值为0.729(P<0.05),联合诊断恶性SPN的特异度、灵敏度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、准确性均最高,分别为90.67%、95.00%、84.44%、97.14%、92.17%。PET/CT、血清lncRNA THRIL、miR-98-5p联合诊断恶性SPN的曲线下面积(AUC)为0.921(95%CI:0.874~0.968),均优于各自单独检测(Z=2.235、2.478、2.444,P<0.05)。结论 PET/CT联合血清lncRNA THRIL、miR-98-5p检测可提高对恶性SPN诊断的灵敏度及准确性,对SPN良恶性的鉴别诊断具有一定的应用价值。

孤立性肺结节患者恶性病变相关因素分析

目的探讨分析孤立性肺结节(SPN)患者恶性病变相关因素。方法选取2021年10月至2023年10月本院收治的100例SPN患者,根据病理检查结果分为良性组(n=46)、恶性组(n=54)。收集患者基本资料,分析影响恶性SPN的因素。结果恶性组年龄、结节直径、咳嗽、咯血、分叶征、血管集束征、胸膜凹陷征、边界不清、CEA阳性、CYFRA21-1阳性、CA125阳性占比均高于良性组(P<0.05)。Logistic多因素分析显示年龄、结节直径、分叶征、CYFRA21-1阳性为影响恶性SPN的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。结论年龄、结节直径、分叶征、SYFRA21-1为影响恶性SPN的独立危险因素,SPN患者出现上述因素应怀疑恶性病变的可能。