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01-04-2012 | Original article

Long term follow-up for small pure ground-glass nodules: implications of determining an optimum follow-up period and high-resolution CT findings to predict the growth of nodules

Authors: Shotaro Takahashi, Nobuyuki Tanaka, Tomoaki Okimoto, Toshiki Tanaka, Kazuhiro Ueda, Tsuneo Matsumoto, Kazuto Ashizawa, Yoshie Kunihiro, Shoji Kido, Naofumi Matsunaga

Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology | Issue 3/2012

Abstract

Purpose

To identify the optimum follow-up period for pure ground-glass nodules (GGN) measuring less than 15 mm in diameter, and to evaluate whether the initial HRCT findings can be used as predictors for the progression of pure GGN.

Materials and methods

A total of 150 pure GGNs present in 111 patients were evaluated. The series of HRCT images for each GGN at the time of the initial detection, 2 years after detection, and at the final follow-up were evaluated. The HRCT findings of GGN were compared between the “increasing nodule” and “non-increasing nodule” groups.

Results

Most (87.3%) pure GGN did not increase whereas some nodules (12.7%) eventually increased after long-term follow-up (mean 66.0 ± 25.0 months). Six (31.6%) out of the 19 increasing nodules were regarded as stable at the 2 year follow-up examination. Some morphological findings on initial HRCT, including a size greater than 10 mm (p = 0.001), lobulated margins (p = 0.015), and a bubble-like appearance (p = 0.002), were significantly associated with the growth of pure GGNs.

Conclusion

More than 2 years of follow-up are necessary to detect the growth of pure GGNs. Some characteristic findings indicated a high likelihood of future growth of the GGN.

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Title: Long term follow-up for small pure ground-glass nodules: implications of determining an optimum follow-up period and high-resolution CT findings to predict the growth of nodules
Authors: Shotaro Takahashi
Nobuyuki Tanaka
Tomoaki Okimoto
Toshiki Tanaka
Kazuhiro Ueda
Tsuneo Matsumoto
Kazuto Ashizawa
Yoshie Kunihiro
Shoji Kido
Naofumi Matsunaga
Publication date: 01-04-2012
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology / Issue 3/2012
Print ISSN: 1867-1071
Electronic ISSN: 1867-108X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-011-0033-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Long term follow-up for small pure ground-glass nodules: implications of determining an optimum follow-up period and high-resolution CT findings to predict the growth of nodules

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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