Evaluation of internal characteristic in small adenocarcinomas by MR images

We reviewed MR images in 24 patients with small adenocarcinomas measuring 2 cm or less in size. Histological types of them were classified into three types based on a Noguchi's report: i.e. group 1 (Noguchi type A and B), group 2 (type C) and group 3 (type D, E and F). We evaluated the relationship between the nodule and vessels or bronchi, enhancement pattern, and internal signal patterns on MR images in three groups. Homogeneous signal intensity, vessels and bronchi branching within the nodule, and an early enhancement without a delayed enhancement on MR images were characteristic for group 1 with the most favorable disease-free-survival. (author)