The Study of the Detection of Pulmonary Nodules with Low-dose and Thin-section Spiral CT Scans

Objective To explore if there is significant difference in the detection and diagnosis of pulmonary nodules with low-dose,thin-section and conventional dose spiral CT scan.Methods Low-dose and local thin-section spiral CT scans were performed in 72 patients with pulmonary nodules detected on conventional dose spiral,CT scans during health examina- tion.The images abtaincd were devided into three groups,that is5mm,5mm～10mm,10 mm,according to the size of the nodules.The number,shape,interior characteristics,feature of borderline,calcification of the nodules,bronchus sign,inter- face sign and the changes of the neighboring structures were analyzed and qualitative diagnosis was made partly.And then com- pare the results with those of dynamic contrast enhancement scans.Results No significant difference in the detection of the nodule number,interior and perimeter feature existed between low-dose and conventional dose spiral CT scans.While thin- section spiral CT scanning technique was obviously superior to low-dose and conventional dose spiral CT scans in that.But significant difference existed in the qualitative diagnosis among the three scanning techniques.Conclusion:Low-dose with thin -section spiral CT scanning technique is worth being applied to the detection of pulmonary nodules in general investigation. But further efforts should be made to elevate diagnostic accuracy.