Application of dynamic CT to identify lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, and pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the value of dynamic enhanced computed tomography (CT) scanning in diagnosing lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, and pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We recruited 30 patients with pulmonary tuberculoma, 38 with lung cancer, and 16 with pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor. All patients received CT scanning, dynamic enhanced CT scanning for 20, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 120 s, and scanning for 3, 5, 8, 12, and 15 min. Then, we compared several parameters to determine which ones help with each diagnosis.

RESULTS

The time-density curve for patients with pulmonary tuberculoma was low and flat, and significantly different from lung cancer and inflammatory pseudotumor. The 15 min clearance value and the clearance value for lung cancer and inflammatory pseudotumor were significantly different. The type II time-density curve was common in lung cancer group, whereas the type III time-density curve was common in inflammatory pseudotumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Dynamic enhanced CT scanning demonstrated the ability to differentiate lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, and pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor, indicating its diagnostic value.