- 期刊
- OpenAccess
Radiographic and Computed Tomographic Findings of Pulmonary Hamartomas
摘要
Pulmonary hamartomas are the most common benign tumor of the lung. The aim of this study is to describe the imaging features of pulmonary hamartomas on computed tomograms (CT) as well as to assess the sensitivity of chest radiography (CXR) in detecting these lesions. From January 2007 to February 2014, 29 cases (ages: 37~72 years; mean age = 57; 13 males) of pathologically proven pulmonary hamartomas were encountered in a single medical center. The lesions in all patients were surgically excised, including 27 cases by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) wedge resection and two patients by lobectomy. Preoperative radiographs and CT images were available in all patients, and were reviewed for characterization and further analysis. In the 29 cases, the lesions were located in RUL (n = 10), RML (n = 2), RLL (n = 6), LUL (n = 6), and LLL (n = 5). On CT, all nodules were well-defined in margin, with smooth or lobulated contours, and mostly round in shape. The diameter of the nodules on CT ranged from 0.64 to 3.3 cm in lung window and 0.0 to 2.2 cm in soft tissue window. Calcifications were observed in six (21%) cases, and hypodense or fat components were found in 12 (41%) cases. Eight lesions were abutting the chest wall. Twelve (41%) nodules were not detected in the initial interpretation of CXR, and eight (28%) nodules could not be detected even after retrospective review. In conclusion, pulmonary hamartomas most often present as well-defined nodules that are smooth or lobulated in outline, and appear round, ovoid or irregular in shape. Overall, about two-fifths of hamartomas may be overlooked initially by CXR. Calcifications, fat components or low densities within the nodules are characteristic findings of pulmonary hamartomas on CT.