Myrna Cobos Barco Godoy MD, PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Brett Wilson Carter MD, Abstract Co-Author: Author, Reed Elsevier Consultant, St. Jude Medical, Inc

Patricia Monique de Groot MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Chitra Viswanathan MD, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, Hollister Incorporated

Mylene Thi Mytien Truong MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jane P. Ko MD, Abstract Co-Author: Editor, Reed Elsevier

1. Specific features to differentiate benign from malignant lung nodules include the presence of certain patterns of calcification, interval decrease in nodule size and lack of FDG uptake on PET/CT. 2. Potential pitfalls regarding characteristics to differentiate benign from malignant lung nodules and decision analysis algorithms will be reviewed. 3. Awareness of potential pitfalls in lung nodule characterization is important in avoiding misinterpretation and in appropriate patient management.      

1. Chest radiograph pitfalls Artifacts Chest wall/ skin lesions Dual-energy radiograph pitfalls 2. Chest CT pitfalls Importance of thin section CT to characterize lung nodules Transient subsolid nodules Bubbly appearance of malignant ground glass nodules mimicking emphysema and scarring Malignant nodules growing next to cystic air spaces Malignant nodules with "benign" patterns of calcification eg. metastases from osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma Temporary regression of malignant nodules Post-radiation changes mimicking malignancy Limitations of lung nodule measurement 3. PET/CT Piftalls False positive FDG uptake in infection and inflammation False negative FDG uptake in small lung cancers, adenocarcinoma of the lung and carcinoid

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14015410/14015410_n2r3.pdf

Godoy, M, Carter, B, de Groot, P, Viswanathan, C, Truong, M, Ko, J, Pitfalls in Pulmonary Nodule Characterization.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14015410.html