Noncalcified pulmonary hamartomas: Computed tomography enhancement patterns with histologic correlation

The objective of this study was to correlate contrast-enhanced computed tom ography images of noncalcified hamartomas with histologic specimens to find specific computed tomography enhancement patterns. Over 4 years, 30 noncal cified hamartomas were surgically resected. Enhanced computed tomography im ages of these hamartomas were reviewed and correlated with histologic findi ngs. Contrast-enhancing septa were present in 24 of 30 hamartomas (80%). Fi ve hamartomas (15%) showed a nonspecific enhancement pattern. The presence of an air bronchogram was a rare finding (5%). Comparison between computed tomography images and pathologic specimens showed that areas with less enha ncement corresponded to cartilagineus tissue, and enhancing septa correspon ded to loose connective tissue within the cartilagineus core. The rare find ing of an air bronchogram corresponded to bronchial epithelium within carti lagineus tissue.