The study of dynamic contrast-enhanced MSCT scan on solitary pulmonary nodules

Objective: To discuss the scan phase of dynamic contrast-enhanced multi-slice spiral CT on solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). Methods: 42 patients with solitary pulmonary nodules (diameter 10-40 mm, void-free and without calcification) underwent dynamic multi-slice spiral CT scan. The CT number of the nodules were measured and time-density curve were made. Results: There were different time-density curve patterns and enhanced CT number between benign and malignant nodules. The increased CT number of malignant [(35.3±17.2)HU] and inflanunatory[(45.2±4.9)HU] SPNs were significantly higher than those of benign SPNs[(45.2± 4.9)HU](P<0.01). No statistically significant difference was found between malignant and inflammatory SPNs(P>0.05). The enhancement of lung cancers reached the peak in 1-2min, then showed as a flatform and decreased slowly. The decreased amplitude was no more than 20%. While the inflammatory nodules went up to the peak in 1.5-5min then irregular decreased. The time-intensity curve for tuberculomas showed no significantly changes. Conclusion: It is important to apply proper application of dynamic contrast-enhanced MSCT scan technology. (authors)