Francesca Invernizzi MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Davide Ippolito MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Paolo Faccioli MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Giuseppe Taddei MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sandro Sironi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ferruccio Fazio MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To assess the role of CT-perfusion technique for quantitative evaluation of non small cell lung cancer.

A total of 35 patients with known non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at different clinical stage were enrolled in our study. Histological diagnosis was established by transbronchial, endobronchial or CT guided biopsies. 20 out of 35 patients had a squamous cell carcinoma; the remaining 15 had adenocarcinoma. The CT perfusion examination was performed by using a 16 slice CT (GE light speed). Based on unenhanced MDCT, the slice position for the dynamic examination was selected. Dynamic images started 3 seconds after the injection via antidecubital vein of 50 ml of contrast agent (300mgI/ml) at flow rate of 5 ml/sec. Perfusion quantitative parameters were obtained by using a commercially available perfusion software (CT perfusion3, Advanced, GE). They were the following: blood volume (BV ml100gr), blood flow (BF ml/100 gr/min), mean transit time (MTT s) and permeability surface (PS ml/min100gr). The obtained data were compared to tumor histological type, grading and size (having 3 cm as size treshold).

A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed for BF and PS in the various tumor grades (G2 tumor mean value:BF ml/100 gr/min: 154,2±75,6; PS ml/min100gr: 8,6±8,1; G3 tumor mean value: BF ml/100 gr/min:64±41,8; PS ml/min100gr: 20,4±30,1). A significant correlation was found between BF and tumor size: in particular tumor >3cm presented a mean blood flow of 87,1±80 ml/100 gr/min, instead tumor<3cm presented a blood flow of 130±120 ml/100 gr/min. No significant difference was found between mean perfusion values of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Values of perfusion and permeability surface may depend on tumor size and grading and not on histopathological type.  

CT-perfusion could be added to routine CT examination of lung cancer patients to assess tumor perfusion features, thus helping in establishing correct treatment.

Invernizzi, F, Ippolito, D, Faccioli, P, Taddei, G, Sironi, S, Fazio, F, Perfusion Features of Lung Cancer: Value of Functional CT and Correlation with Histopathological Findings.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6017828.html