The value of dynamic contrast-enhanced and ordinary spiral CT in the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules

Objective To analyze the feature of the solitary pulmonary nodules at dynamic contrast-enhanced spiral CT. Methods Sixty-two patients with solitary pulmonary nodules proved by pathology were studied. Thin-section CT scans were obtained before and after enhancement 1,2,3,4 and 5 minutes. Results Malignant nodules enhanced (49±15)Hu significantly more than benign nodules (18±16)Hu. The major enhancement pattern of peripheral lung carcinoma was complete enhancement, a little show peripheral enhancement. Tuberculoma show capsular enhancement or non enhancement. Conclusions Absence of significant lung noldue enhancement (≤15 Hu) at CT is strongly predictive of benignity.Malignant nodules enhanced significantly more than benign nodules. Dynamic contrast enhanced CT is useful in the differential diagnosis of lung carcinoma and tuberculoma. Key words: Solitary pulmonary nodule ;  Dynamic contrast enhancement ;  Tomography ;  X-ray computed ;