High-resolution computed tomography appearances of surgically resected pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer, with histopathologic correlation.

PURPOSE

To describe the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings of pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer in comparison with those of surgically resected specimens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied 50 nodules in 44 patients who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy from colorectal cancer. The HRCT characteristics of the lesions in this study were compared with their histopathologic appearances.

RESULTS

Nineteen nodules revealed heterogeneous attenuation on HRCT: air density area in 13 and calcification in 9. The air density areas corresponded to 10 necrotic cavities and 3 air-containing bronchi. All calcifications were described as having a punctuated pattern. Marginal characteristics appeared well defined and smooth in 21, well defined and irregular in 28, and ill defined and smooth in one. Of these, spiculations were seen in 12 and pleural tags in 6. These characteristics corresponded to the histopathologic growth patterns.

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer have various features radiologically and histopathologically. Although most such lesions include typical features, some of them mimic primary lung adenocarcinomas because of the similarities in their growth patterns.