High-resolution CT findings of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma in 38 patients

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to analyze the high-resolution CT features of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma and determine the useful f indings in differential diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS. High-resolution CT scans of 38 patients with patholo gically proven diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma were reviewed. Sequenti al CT scans were obtained in 15 patients. The high-resolution CT findings w ere compared with those of eosinophilic pneumonia (n = 22), multiple pulmon ary metastases (n = 12), and tuberculosis (bronchogenic: n = 22; miliary: n = 12). RESULTS. High-resolution CT findings of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinom a included ground-glass opacity (n = 29), consolidation (n = 29), nodules ( n = 28), centrilobular nodules (n = 26), peripheral distribution (n = 19), and air bronchogram (n = 18). According to the major features, high-resolut ion CT findings of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma could be classified into three patterns: predominantly ground-glass (n = 4), consolidative (n = 22), and multinodular (n = 12). Most patients with diffuse bronchioloalve olar carcinoma had a mixture of these findings. The frequency of findings o f diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma on high-resolution CT was not differ ent from that of tuberculosis, but the predominant distribution of the nodu les and areas of ground-glass attenuation differed between the two. Differe nce in distribution between bronchioloalveolar carcinoma and bronchogenic t uberculosis included ground-glass opacity remote from the consolidation and a lower lung predominance. CONCLUSION. Although these high-resolution CT findings are not specific, th e combination of consolidation and nodules and the coexistence of centrilob ular nodules and remote areas of ground-glass attenuation are characteristi c of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma.