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BACKGROUND. Lung cancer (LC) associated with cystic airspaces is an uncommon presentation that is underrecognized on imaging. Additionally, understanding of its underlying pathology and risk factors is limited, which can contribute to delays in diagnosis. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this analysis was to systematically review, analyze, and synthesize the medical literature to determine the imaging features of LC associated with cystic airspaces. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION. In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we included published research reporting the clinical, pathologic, and imaging features of LC associated with cystic airspaces. We then performed a pooled analysis of continuous and categoric data with respect to patient clinical characteristics, tumor pathologic features, underlying driver mutation, CT features, and evolution of these features over time. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS. The analysis included eight original observational studies with a combined total of 341 patients with LC associated with cystic airspaces (weighted mean age, 61.8 years; range, 30-87 years; 135 women and 206 men). Most patients were current or previous smokers (127/192 [66.1%]). The most common histologic finding was adenocarcinoma (289/328 [88.1%]) followed by squamous cell carcinoma (30/328 [9.1%]). The most common driver mutations were EGFR (46/122 [37.7%]) and KRAS (21/122 [17.2%]). The cysts in LC associated with cystic airspaces commonly had nonuniform (104/114 [91.2%]) and thick (83/222 [37.4%]) walls, irregular margins (53/142 [37.3%]), and were unilocular (173/272 [63.6%]). Most cysts had a nodular component (210/328 [64.0%]). Over time, most cysts showed development or enlargement of the nodular component (61/89 [68.5%]), approximately half showed wall thickening (43/89 [48.3%]), and a minority evolved into completely solid lesions (11/89 [12.4%]). The size of the cystic component increased in 36 of 89 patients (40.4%), decreased in 28 (31.5%), and remained stable in 24 (27.0%). CONCLUSION. LC associated with cystic airspaces occurs most commonly as adeno-carcinoma and is seen in both smokers and nonsmokers. The cysts associated with LC show wall thickening and mural nodularity, which may evolve over time. LC associated with cystic airspaces can be indolent, and long-term surveillance with imaging should be considered if cysts are not resected. CLINICAL IMPACT. Familiarity with the imaging features and temporal evolution of LC associated with cystic airspaces can minimize delays in LC diagnosis. Future management guidelines should include protocols for follow-up and management of cystic lung lesions identified during diagnostic and LC screening CT.

Background In randomized controlled trials, lung cancer screening with low-dose chest computed tomography (LCS) has been reported to reduce lung cancer mortality. Although initial studies suggested that only approximately 5% of eligible patients have undergone LCS, recent studies have indicated that use of LCS may be increasing nationwide. The objective of the current study was to estimate recent LCS use using cross-sectional survey data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Methods The BRFSS is a nationally representative, cross-sectional telephone survey of adults in the United States (response rate of approximately 50%). The 2018 BRFSS survey included questions regarding LCS eligibility and use in 8 states. The primary outcome was the percentage of participants (aged 55-79 years with a smoking history of >30 pack-years) who reported undergoing LCS. Logistic regression analyses evaluated the association between LCS use and sociodemographic characteristics, adjusted for potential confounders and accounting for complex survey design elements. Results A total of 26,910 participants were included, 9.9% of whom were eligible for LCS (95% CI, 8.8%-10.6%). Of the eligible patients, 19.2% reported undergoing LCS (95% CI, 14.0%-24.4%). Approximately 16.4% of current smokers were eligible for LCS (95% CI, 14.2%-18.6%). In our multiple variable analyses of eligible patients, age, sex, marital status, current smoking status, and race were not found to be associated with statistically significant differences in reported LCS (P > .05). Retired patients, patients with personal physicians, and patients who did not complete a high school education were more likely to report receiving LCS (P Conclusions Compared with previously published studies, the results of the current study suggested that LCS use is increasing. However, LCS use remains low (19%) among eligible participants.

Purpose To determine the variability in out-of-pocket costs of lung cancer screening (LCS) for uninsured patients and assess accessibility of this information by telephone or Internet. Methods LCS centers from the ACR’s LCS database were randomly selected. Centers were called between July and August 2019 to determine out-of-pocket cost. Telephone call variables, accessibility of cost information on screening centers’ websites, screening centers’ chargemasters, and publicly available facility and state insurance coverage variables were obtained. Cost information was summarized using descriptive analyses. Multiple variable linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate effects of facility and state-level characteristics on out-of-pocket costs. Results Fifty-five ACR-accredited LCS centers were included with 78% (43 of 55) willing to provide out-of-pocket cost. Average out-of-pocket cost was $583 ± $607 (mean ± standard deviation), range $49 to $2,409. Average telephone call length 6 ± 3.8 min. Two of fifty-five screening centers’ websites provided out-of-pocket cost information, and one matched cost given over the telephone. A chargemaster was found for 30 of 55 screening centers. No statistically significant differences in out-of-pocket costs were found by geographic region, state percentages of uninsured residents, state percentages of residents with public insurance, or facility safety net hospital affiliation. Discussion Out-of-pocket LCS costs for uninsured patients and availability of this information is highly variable. Radiology practices should be aware of this variability that may influence participation rates among uninsured patients.

The number of pulmonary nodules discovered incidentally or through screening programs has increased markedly. Multidisciplinary review and management are recommended, but the involvement of radiation oncologists in this context has not been defined.To assess the role of stereotactic body radiation therapy among patients enrolled in a lung cancer screening program.This prospective cohort study was performed at a pulmonary nodule and lung cancer screening clinic from October 1, 2012, to September 31, 2019. Referrals were based on chest computed tomography with Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System category 4 finding or an incidental nodule 6 mm or larger. A multidisciplinary team of practitioners from radiology, thoracic surgery, pulmonology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology reviewed all nodules and coordinated workup and treatment as indicated.Patients referred to the pulmonary nodule and lung cancer screening clinic with an incidental or screen-detected pulmonary nodule.The primary outcome was the proportion of patients undergoing therapeutic intervention with radiation therapy, stratified by the route of detection of their pulmonary nodules (incidental vs screen detected). Secondary outcomes were 2-year local control and metastasis-free survival.Among 1150 total patients (median [IQR] age, 66.5 [59.3-73.7] years; 665 [57.8%] female; 1024 [89.0%] non-Hispanic White; 841 [73.1%] current or former smokers), 234 (20.3%) presented with screen-detected nodules and 916 (79.7%) with incidental nodules. For patients with screen-detected nodules requiring treatment, 41 (17.5%) received treatment, with 31 (75.6%) undergoing surgery and 10 (24.4%) receiving radiation therapy. Patients treated with radiation therapy were older (median [IQR] age, 73.8 [67.1 to 82.1] vs 67.6 [61.0 to 72.9] years; P .001) and more likely to have history of tobacco use (67 [95.7%] vs 128 [76.6%]; P = .001) than those treated with surgery. Fifty-eight patients treated with radiation therapy (82.9%) were considered high risk for biopsy, and treatment recommendations were based on a clinical diagnosis of lung cancer after multidisciplinary review. All screened patients who received radiation therapy had stage I disease and were treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy. For all patients receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy, 2-year local control was 96.3% (95% CI, 91.1%-100%) and metastasis-free survival was 94.2% (95% CI, 87.7%-100%).In this unique prospective cohort, 1 in 4 patients with screen-detected pulmonary nodules requiring intervention were treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy. This finding highlights the role of radiation therapy in a lung cancer screening population and the importance of including radiation oncologists in the multidisciplinary management of pulmonary nodules.

PURPOSE: To assess the technical success and complication rates of CT-guided fiducial marker placement for the localization of pulmonary nodules and to assess the surgical localization failure rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent CT-guided fiducial marker placement procedures between 2014 and 2020. End points included the technical success of the fiducial marker placement, procedural complications, and the surgical localization failure rate. A two-sample t test and a Fisher exact test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for complications. RESULTS: A total of 198 preoperative CT-guided fiducial marker placement procedures were performed in 190 patients (mean age, 64 years ± 12 [standard deviation]; 121 women) to localize 205 nodules (mean size, 10 mm ± 4; mean distance to the pleura, 10 mm ± 9). The technical success rate was 98.5% (195 of 198). There were no major complications. A total of 202 nodules were resected during 193 procedures performed 5 days ± 13 after the fiducial marker placement (range, 0–123 days). Surgical localization failure occurred in one patient (0.5%). Of the resected nodules, 146 were lung cancers, 26 nodules were metastases, two were carcinoid tumors, and 28 were benign. CONCLUSION: The CT-guided fiducial marker placement of pulmonary nodules was safe, effective, and resulted in a low surgical localization failure rate. Keywords: CT, Percutaneous, Thorax, Lung

Imaging plays an integral role in the initial diagnosis and longitudinal care of patients with cancer. Liquid biopsies, which most commonly involve genetic analysis of circulating free DNA, have emerged as important complementary tools in cancer care with the potential to interface with imaging at each step of the cancer care continuum. Here, the authors use non-small-cell lung cancer as a paradigm to elucidate factors driving the need for liquid biopsy in the spectrum of lung cancer care, demonstrate ways in which liquid biopsy has already changed standard clinical practice, and discuss anticipated synergies of liquid biopsy and imaging in screening and early detection and in monitoring of disease.

Background: Outcomes between percutaneous microwave (MWA) and cryoablation of sarcoma lung metastases have not been compared to our knowledge. Objective: To compare technical success, complications, local tumor control, and overall survival (OS) following MWA versus cryoablation of sarcoma lung metastases. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 27 patients (16 women, 11 men; median age 64 years; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score 0-2) who underwent 39 percutaneous CT-guided ablation sessions (21 MWA, 18 cryoablation; 1-4 sessions per patient) to treat 65 sarcoma lung metastases (median 1 tumor per patient, range 1-12; median tumor diameter 11 mm, range 5-33 mm; 25% non-peripheral) from 2009 to 2021. We compared complications by ablation modality using generalized-estimating equations. We evaluated ablation modality, tumor size, and location (peripheral vs non-peripheral) in relation to local tumor progression using proportional Cox hazard models with death as competing risk. We estimated OS using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Primary technical success was 97% for both modalities. Median follow-up was 23 months (range: 1-102 months; interquartile range: 12, 44 months). A total of 7/61 (12%) tumors progressed. Estimated 1-year and 2-year local control rates were, for tumors >1 cm, 97% and 95% following MWA versus 99% and 98% following cryoablation, and for tumors ≤1 cm, 74% and 62% following MWA versus 86% and 79% following cryoablation. Tumor size ≤1 cm was associated with decreased cumulative incidence of local progression (p =.048); ablation modality and tumor location were not associated with progression (p =.86; p =.54). Complications (CTCAE grade ≤3) occurred in 17/39 sessions (44%), prompting chest tube placement in nine (23%). No complications with grade ≥4 occurred. OS at 1-, 2-, and 3-years was 100%, 89%, and 82%, respectively. Conclusion: High primary technical success, local control, and OS support MWA and cryoablation for treating sarcoma lung metastases. Ablation modality and tumor location did not affect local progression. Treatment failure was low, especially for small tumors. No life-threatening complications occurred. Clinical Impact: Percutaneous MWA and cryoablation are both suited for treatment of sarcoma lung metastases, especially for tumors ≤1 cm, whether peripheral or non-peripheral. Complications, if they occur, are not life-threatening.

Background Isoattenuating and hyperattenuating thymic cysts at CT are often misinterpreted as lymphadenopathy or thymic epithelial neoplasms. Purpose To evaluate the longitudinal change in thymic cyst appearance at CT and MRI. Materials and Methods All chest MRI studies showing thymic cysts between July 2008 and December 2019, identified from a retrospective search of a quality assurance database, were included in this study if initial CT depicted a thymic lesion, the patient was referred for follow-up MRI for characterization, and the baseline (ie, index) MRI indicated a cystic lesion. Follow-up CT scans and/or MRI scans were identified through July 2020. Thymic cyst characteristics, such as size, location, and morphologic features, as well as CT and MRI characteristics, were recorded. Change in size, attenuation, and T1-weighted MRI signal was assessed longitudinally. Descriptive statistics of longitudinal change were tabulated. Results A total of 244 chest MRI studies in 140 patients with 142 unique cysts and 392 CT examinations (636 total examinations and 645 thymic cysts-nine examinations with two cysts each) were evaluated. The median follow-up duration was 2.2 years. Thirty-three patients with 34 unique cysts (34 of 142 cysts [24%]) underwent imaging follow-up for more than 5 years. Thymic cysts followed up for more than 5 years were most commonly saccular (189 of 274 cysts [69% axially]) and retrosternal (14 of 34 cysts [41%]). Craniocaudal dimension was larger than transverse and anteroposterior dimensions in 223 of 274 cysts (81%). Mean thymic cyst attenuation was 25 HU (range, 15-100 HU). Five of 31 cysts (16%) exhibited wall calcification. The median cyst wall thickness was 2.0 mm (range, 0.9-3.0 mm). Most thymic cysts changed in volume (31 of 34 cysts [91%]), CT attenuation (15 of 35 cysts [43%]), and T1-weighted MRI signal (12 of 18 cysts [67%]) over time. None developed mural irregularity, nodularity, or septations. Conclusion Unilocular thymic cysts, defined at index MRI, never developed irregular wall thickening, mural nodularity, or septations that would raise concern for malignant transformation. However, these cysts showed mural calcification and change in size, CT attenuation, and MRI signal over more than 5 years of follow-up. © RSNA, 2021

Every year millions of pulmonary nodules are discovered incidentally and through lung cancer screening programs. Management of these nodules is often suboptimal, with low follow-up rates and poor provider understanding of management approaches. There is an emerging body of literature about how to optimize management of pulmonary nodules. The Pulmonary Nodule and Lung Cancer Screening Clinic (PNLCSC) at Massachusetts General Hospital was founded in 2012 to manage pulmonary nodules via a multidisciplinary approach with optimized support staff. Recommendations from clinic providers and treatment details were recorded for all patients seen at the PNLCSC. Adherence to recommendations and outcomes were also tracked and reviewed. From October 2012 to September 2019, 1,136 patients were seen at the PNLCSC, each for a mean of 1.8 appointments (range, 1–10). A total of 356 procedures were recommended by the clinic and 271 patients were referred for surgery and/or radiation. The majority of interventions (74%) were recommended at the initial PNLCSC appointment. In total, 211 patients (19%) evaluated at the PNLCSC had pathologically confirmed pulmonary malignancies or were treated empirically with radiation. Among patients followed by the clinic, the adherence rate to clinic recommendations was 95%. This study shows how a multidisciplinary approach to pulmonary nodule management can streamline care and optimize follow-up. The PNLCSC provides a template that can be replicated in other health systems. It also provides an example of how multidisciplinary approaches can be applied to other complex conditions. Implications for Practice This work demonstrates how an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to management of pulmonary nodules can streamline patient care and improve adherence to provider recommendations. This approach has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce health care costs.

Background Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a common and important incidental finding in low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) performed for lung cancer screening (LCS). The impact of these incidental findings on patient management is unclear. Purpose The goals of our study were to determine the impact of reporting CAC on patient management and to determine whether standardized reporting of CAC affects the likelihood of future interventions. Methods In this IRB-approved retrospective study, we queried our LCS database for reports of LDCT performed between January 2016 and September 2018. All reports with significant findings of CAC designated with the letter "S" for any Lung-RADS category were selected. The grading of CAC was extracted from the reports. Medical records were reviewed for each patient to determine demographics, clinical history, medications, and cardiac-related diagnostic and interventional procedures. The changes in management after the report of significant CAC on LDCT were documented. Statistical analysis with Student t test and Pearson χ test was performed. Results A total of 756/3110 patients (mean age: 67±6.4 y; M=466, 61.6%: F=290, 38.4%) were reported to have significant CAC on LDCT for LCS. Of them, 236/756 patients (31.2%) had established coronary artery disease (CAD) at baseline, before the initial LDCT. A change in management was observed in 155/756 patients (20.5%). The most common changes in management included the following: alteration in medication regimen (n=114/155, 73.5%), stress testing (n=65/155, 41.9%), and referral to a cardiologist (36/155, 23.2%). Percutaneous coronary intervention (4, 2.6%) and surgery (3, 1.9%) were uncommon. Changes in management were more common in those without established CAD and in those whose CAC was semiquantitatively graded (35% vs. 25%, P=0.02). Conclusion CAC is a common significant finding in LDCT for LCS. Reporting of CAC in patients with nonestablished CAD and semiquantitative assessment resulted in changes in management.

A Man with Cough and Eosinophilia A 53-year-old man with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy was evaluated for cough that had developed 3 months earlier, shortly after he had returned from exte...

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose CT reduces mortality among high-risk current and former smokers and has been covered by public and private insurers without cost sharing since 2015. Patients and referring providers confront numerous barriers to participation in screening. To best serve in multidisciplinary efforts to expand LCS nationwide, radiologists must be knowledgeable of these challenges. A better understanding of the difficulties confronted by other stakeholders will help radiologists continue to collaboratively guide the growth of LCS programs in their communities. This article reviews barriers to participation in LCS for patients and referring providers, as well as possible solutions and interventions currently underway.

Highlights • CT-guided fine needle aspirate is accurate in the diagnoses of subsolid nodules. • CT-guided fine needle aspirate of subsolid nodules is safe. • A core needle biopsy is not always necessary., Purpose To assess the success of determining malignancy in subsolid lung nodules by fine needle aspirate of CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy. Material and method This IRB approved retrospective study analyzed CTguided transthoracic needle biopsy of 86 consecutive subsolid nodules (size 25 + 14 mm; Age 71 + 10 years: M: F, 27:59), with ground glass opacity of = 50% in 64 (74%) and size < 2 cm in 38 (44%). Fine needle aspirate was performed in all and additional core biopsy in 21 (24%). The biopsy results were correlated with resected surgical pathology in 59 (69%) and by long term clinical and imaging follow-up in 27 (31%). The statistical analysis was performed by Fischer exact test to determine the success rate in < 2cm and =2cm nodules and those with 0.05), with a specificity 100% in both groups. Core biopsy altered the diagnosis only in 1/21 (4.8%). The nondiagnostic biopsy rate was 18 and 11% for lesions with =50% and 0.05). The incidence of pneumothorax was 21%, none requiring chest tube, and mild hemoptysis in 8%. Conclusion CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy of both small and large subsolid nodules is highly sensitive and very specific for making the diagnosis of malignancy with a low rate of complications. Additional core biopsy offered no significant advantage over fine needle aspirate biopsy alone.

Background Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) helps early lung cancer detection, commonly presenting as small pulmonary nodules. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based vessel suppression (AI-VS) and automatic detection (AI-AD) algorithm can improve detection of subsolid nodules (SSNs) on LDCT. We assessed the impact of AI-VS and AI-AD in detection and classification of SSNs [ground-glass nodules (GGNs) and part-solid nodules (PSNs)], on LDCT performed for LCS. Methods Following regulatory approval, 123 LDCT examinations with sub-solid pulmonary nodules (average diameter ≥6 mm) were processed to generate three image series for each examination-unprocessed, AI-VS, and AI-AD series with annotated lung nodules. Two thoracic radiologists in consensus formed the standard of reference (SOR) for this study. Two other thoracic radiologists (R1 and R2; 5 and 10 years of experience in thoracic CT image interpretation) independently assessed the unprocessed images alone, then together with AI-VS series, and finally with AI-AD for detecting all ≥6 mm GGN and PSN. We performed receiver operator characteristics (ROC) and Cohen's Kappa analyses for statistical analyses. Results On unprocessed images, R1 and R2 detected 232/310 nodules (R1: 114 GGN, 118 PSN) and 255/310 nodules (R2: 122 GGN, 133 PSN), respectively (P>0.05). On AI-VS images, they detected 249/310 nodules (119 GGN, 130 PSN) and 277/310 nodules (128 GGN, 149 PSN), respectively (P≥0.12). When compared to the SOR, accuracy (AUC) for detection of PSN on the AI-VS images (AUC 0.80-0.81) was greater than on the unprocessed images (AUC 0.70-0.76). AI-VS images enabled detection of solid components in five nodules deemed as GGN on the unprocessed images. Accuracy of AI-AD was lower than both the radiologists (AUC 0.60-0.72). Conclusions AI-VS improved the detection and classification of SSN into GGN and PSN on LDCT of the chest for the two radiologist (R1 and R2) readers.

Background: Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose CT (LDCT) was implemented in the United States following the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). The real-world benefits of implementing LCS are yet to be determined with outcome-oriented data. The study objective is to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of screening-detected lung cancers. Methods: This single-institution retrospective study included LCS patients between June 2014 and December 2019. Patient demographics, number of screening rounds, imaging features, clinical workup, disease extent, histopathology, treatment, complications, and mortality outcomes of screening-detected lung cancers were extracted and compared with NLST data. Results: LCS LDCTs (7,480) were performed on 4,176 patients. The cancer detection rate was 3.8%, higher than reported by NLST (2.4%, P < 0.0001), and cancers were most often found in patients ≥65 years (62%), older than those in NLST (41%, P < 0.0001). The patients' ethnicity was similar to NLST, P = 0.87. Most LCS-detected cancers were early stage I tumors (71% vs. 54% in NLST, P < 0.0001). Two thirds of cancers were detected in the first round of screening (67.1%) and were multifocal lung cancers in 15%. As in NLST, the complication rate after invasive workup or surgery was low (24% vs. 28% in NLST, P = 0.32). Over a median follow-up of 3.3 years, the mortality rate was 0.45%, lower than NLST (1.33%, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: LCS implementation achieved a higher cancer detection rate, detection of early-stage cancers, and more multifocal lung cancers compared with the NLST, with low complications and mortality. Impact: The real-world implementation of LCS has been successful for detection of lung cancer with favorable outcomes.

Rationale and Objectives Radiographic findings of COVID-19 pneumonia can be used for patient risk stratification; however, radiologist reporting of disease severity is inconsistent on chest radiographs (CXRs). We aimed to see if an artificial intelligence (AI) system could help improve radiologist interrater agreement. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective multi-radiologist user study to evaluate the impact of an AI system, the PXS score model, on the grading of categorical COVID-19 lung disease severity on 154 chest radiographs into four ordinal grades (normal/minimal, mild, moderate, and severe). Four radiologists (two thoracic and two emergency radiologists) independently interpreted 154 CXRs from 154 unique patients with COVID-19 hospitalized at a large academic center, before and after using the AI system (median washout time interval was 16 days). Three different thoracic radiologists assessed the same 154 CXRs using an updated version of the AI system trained on more imaging data. Radiologist interrater agreement was evaluated using Cohen and Fleiss kappa where appropriate. The lung disease severity categories were associated with clinical outcomes using a previously published outcomes dataset using Fisher's exact test and Chi-square test for trend. Results Use of the AI system improved radiologist interrater agreement (Fleiss κ = 0.40 to 0.66, before and after use of the system). The Fleiss κ for three radiologists using the updated AI system was 0.74. Severity categories were significantly associated with subsequent intubation or death within 3 days. Conclusion An AI system used at the time of CXR study interpretation can improve the interrater agreement of radiologists.

To evaluate PET/MR lung nodule detection compared to PET/CT or CT, to determine growth of nodules missed by PET/MR, and to investigate the impact of missed nodules on clinical management in primary abdominal malignancies.This retrospective IRB-approved study included [18F]-FDG PET/MR in 126 patients. All had standard of care chest imaging (SCI) with diagnostic chest CT or PET/CT within 6 weeks of PET/MR that served as standard of reference. Two radiologists assessed lung nodules (size, location, consistency, position, and [18F]-FDG avidity) on SCI and PET/MR. A side-by-side analysis of nodules on SCI and PET/MR was performed. The nodules missed on PET/MR were assessed on follow-up SCI to ascertain their growth (≥ 2 mm); their impact on management was also investigated.A total of 505 nodules (mean 4 mm, range 1-23 mm) were detected by SCI in 89/126 patients (66M:60F, mean age 60 years). PET/MR detected 61 nodules for a sensitivity of 28.1% for patient and 12.1% for nodule, with higher sensitivity for 7 mm nodules ( 30% and 70% respectively, p 0.05). 75/337 (22.3%) of the nodules missed on PET/MR (follow-up mean 736 days) demonstrated growth. In patients positive for nodules at SCI and negative at PET/MR, missed nodules did not influence patients' management.Sensitivity of lung nodule detection on PET/MR is affected by nodule size and is lower than SCI. 22.3% of missed nodules increased on follow-up likely representing metastases. Although this did not impact clinical management in study group with primary abdominal malignancy, largely composed of extra-thoracic advanced stage cancers, with possible different implications in patients without extra-thoracic spread.

Objective To identify factors associated with delayed adherence to follow-up in lung cancer screening. Methods Utilizing a data warehouse and lung cancer screening registry, variables were collected from a referred sample of 3110 unique participants with follow-up CT during the study period (1 January 2016 to 17 October 2018). Adherence was defined as undergoing chest CT within 90 days and 30 days of the recommended time for follow-up and was determined using proportions and multiple variable logistic regression models across the American College of Radiology Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS®) categories. Results Of 1954 lung cancer screening participants (51.9% (1014/1954) males, 48.1% (940/1954) female; mean age 65.7 (range 45–87), smoking history median 40 pack-years, 60.2% and 44.5% did not follow-up within 30 and 90 days, respectively. Participants receiving Lung-RADS® category 1 or 2 presented later than those with Lung-RADS® category 3 at 90 days (coefficient −27.24, 95% CI −51.31, −3.16, p = 0.027). Participants with Lung-RADS® category 1 presented later than those with Lung-RADS® category 2 at both 90- and 30-days past due (OR 0.76 95% CI [0.59–0.97], p = 0.029 and OR 0.63 95% CI [0.48–0.83], p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusions Adherence to follow-up was higher among participants receiving more suspicious Lung-RADS® results at index screening CT and among those who had undergone more non-lung cancer screening imaging examinations prior to index lung cancer screening CT. These observations may inform strategies aimed at prospectively identifying participants at risk for delayed or nonadherence to prevent potential morbidity and mortality from incident lung cancers.

A Woman with a Lung Mass A 47-year-old woman presented early during the Covid-19 pandemic with cough and shortness of breath. Radiography revealed a rounded mass in the right lower lobe. Computed t...

Background Esophago-airway fistula (EAF) is an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea or a major bronchus. While contrast esophagography remains the primary radiographic tool for the diagnosis of EAF, computed tomography (CT) is often employed in its evaluation. A systematic analysis of CT findings of EAF in adults has not been previously published. The goal of our study is to determine the direct and indirect CT findings of EAF in adults. Methods We identified patients with EAF detected on CT at our institution between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2019, with endoscopic or surgical confirmation. We collected patient clinicopathologic characteristics and assessed CTs for direct and indirect imaging features of EAF in these patients. Results Twenty-six patients (median age: 56 years; range, 25-79 years; F=13, 50% and M=13, 50%) with confirmed EAF were identified. Half of the patients had an underlying malignancy. On CT, a direct connection between the esophagus and the airway was identified in most cases (22/26; 85%). Common indirect CT findings of EAF included esophageal wall thickening (21/26, 81%), mediastinal fatty stranding (21/26, 81%), airway wall thickening (20/26, 77%), fluid or debris within the airways (17/26, 65%), and focal or diffuse esophageal dilation with air (17/26, 65%). Mediastinal fluid collections were infrequently seen (4/26, 15%), but findings of aspiration or other pneumonia were common (19/26, 73%). Conclusions CT plays an essential role in both the primary and secondary evaluation of adult EAF resulting from both malignant and benign etiologies. CT may be the first diagnostic exam to suggest and detect the presence of EAF and may precede clinical suspicion, and it can detect a subset of fistulas not demonstrated on esophagography. There are several direct and indirect imaging findings on CT that can help in the detection of EAF.

Purpose The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and outcomes of extrapulmonary malignancies identified on lung cancer screening (LCS) and to determine the cost associated with the investigation of these lesions. Methods This retrospective study included 7,414 low-dose CT studies performed between June 2014 and December 2019 on 4,160 patients as part of an established LCS program. Patients with indeterminate extrapulmonary lesions were identified, and the diagnostic workup, management, and outcomes of the lesions were determined. Costs related to diagnostic evaluation were estimated using 2020 total facility relative value units and the 2020 Medicare conversion factor. Out-of-pocket costs were extracted from billing records. Results There were 20 extrapulmonary malignancies among 241 reported lesions in 225 patients (mean age, 66.1 ± 6.4 years; 109 men, 116 women). The prevalence of extrapulmonary malignancy was 20 of 4,160 (0.48%). Early-stage cancers were detected in 13 of 20 (65%). No cancer-specific mortality was observed. The predictive value for malignancy varied by organ (P = .03) and was highest in the chest wall and axilla (36.4%), followed by bone (25%). The average cost on the basis of Medicare reimbursement for diagnosis of an extrapulmonary malignancy on LCS was $1,316.03 ($6.33 per participant and $109.21 per indeterminate incidental lesion). Most patients (203 of 225 [90.2%]) did not have out-of-pocket costs related to diagnostic workup. In those who did, the median cost was $160.60 (range, $75-$606.76). Conclusions Low-dose CT for LCS detects extrapulmonary malignancy with high predictive value for certain locations. There is cost associated in the workup related to these incidental lesions, but most malignancies are detected at early stages and have good outcomes.

The purpose of this article was to report the utility of computed tomography (CT) for detecting unsuspected cases of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the utility of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)/Society of Thoracic Radiology (STR)/American College of Radiology (ACR) consensus guidelines for COVID-19 reporting.A total of 22 patients of the 156 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirmed COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized between March 27, 2020 and March 31, 2020 at our quaternary care academic medical center and who underwent CT imaging within 1 week of admission were included in this retrospective study. Demographics and clinical data were extracted from the electronic medical record system. Two thoracic radiologists independently categorized each CT study on the basis of RSNA/STR/ACR consensus guidelines. Disagreement in categorization was resolved by consensus discussion with a third thoracic radiologist.At the time of imaging, 16 patients (73%) were suspected of COVID-19, and 6 patients (27%) were not. Common symptoms at presentation were fever (73%), cough (77%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (59%). An overall 63% of suspected COVID-19 patients exhibited shortness of breath, whereas 0 unsuspected COVID-19 patients did (P=0.02). On the basis of the RSNA consensus guidelines, 68%, 18%, 9%, and 5% of studies were categorized as "typical appearance," "indeterminate appearance," "atypical appearance," and "negative for pneumonia," respectively. There was no difference of category distribution between suspected and unsuspected COVID-19 patients (P=0.20), with "typical appearance" being the most prevalent in both (69% vs. 67%, respectively).It is important to recognize imaging features of COVID-19 pneumonia even in unsuspected patients. Implementation of the RSNA/STR/ACR consensus guidelines may increase consistency of reporting and convey the level of suspicion for COVID-19 to other health care providers, with "typical appearance" especially warranting further attention.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article was to report the utility of computed tomography (CT) for detecting unsuspected cases of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the utility of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)/Society of Thoracic Radiology (STR)/American College of Radiology (ACR) consensus guidelines for COVID-19 reporting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 22 patients of the 156 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirmed COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized between March 27, 2020 and March 31, 2020 at our quaternary care academic medical center and who underwent CT imaging within 1 week of admission were included in this retrospective study. Demographics and clinical data were extracted from the electronic medical record system. Two thoracic radiologists independently categorized each CT study on the basis of RSNA/STR/ACR consensus guidelines. Disagreement in categorization was resolved by consensus discussion with a third thoracic radiologist. RESULTS: At the time of imaging, 16 patients (73%) were suspected of COVID-19, and 6 patients (27%) were not. Common symptoms at presentation were fever (73%), cough (77%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (59%). An overall 63% of suspected COVID-19 patients exhibited shortness of breath, whereas 0 unsuspected COVID-19 patients did (P=0.02). On the basis of the RSNA consensus guidelines, 68%, 18%, 9%, and 5% of studies were categorized as "typical appearance," "indeterminate appearance," "atypical appearance," and "negative for pneumonia," respectively. There was no difference of category distribution between suspected and unsuspected COVID-19 patients (P=0.20), with "typical appearance" being the most prevalent in both (69% vs. 67%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: It is important to recognize imaging features of COVID-19 pneumonia even in unsuspected patients. Implementation of the RSNA/STR/ACR consensus guidelines may increase consistency of reporting and convey the level of suspicion for COVID-19 to other health care providers, with "typical appearance" especially warranting further attention.

A Woman with Recurrent Melanoma and Pulmonary Nodules An asymptomatic 47-year-old woman with a history of recurrent melanoma presented to the hospital after routine quarterly surveillance imaging, ...

A Man with Covid-19 and Acute Kidney Injury A 68-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with fever, shortness of breath, and acute kidney injury. Testing of a nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 ...

Context.—Lesion localization during intraoperative frozen section of lung resection specimens can be challenging. Imaging could aid lesion localization while enabling 3-dimensional specimen analysis.Objective.—To assess the feasibility of integrating micro–computed tomography (micro-CT) into the perioperative evaluation of fresh surgical lung resection specimens.Design.—Fresh lung specimens from patients with a presumptive diagnosis of lung cancer were imaged with micro-CT prior to routine histopathologic and molecular analysis. Micro-CT images were assessed to determine image quality, lesion size, and distance from lesion to the nearest surgical margin. Micro-CT measurements were compared to pathologic measurements using Bland-Altman analysis.Results.—A total of 22 specimens from 21 patients were analyzed (mean image acquisition time, 13 ± 6 minutes). Histologic quality of imaged specimens was indistinguishable from a control group of nonimaged lung specimens. Artifacts, most commonly from specimen deflation (n = 8), obscured fine detail on micro-CT images of 10 specimens. Micro-CT could successfully localize the target lesion in the other 12 specimens. Distance to the nearest surgical margin was determined in 10 specimens. Agreement of micro-CT with final pathology was good, with a mean difference of −2.8% (limits of agreement −14.5% to 20.0%) for lesion size and −0.5 mm (limits of agreement −4.4 to 3.4 mm) for distance to nearest surgical margin.Conclusions.—Micro-CT of fresh surgical lung specimens is feasible and has the potential to evaluate the size and location of lesions within resection specimens, as well as distance to the nearest surgical margin, all without compromising specimen integrity.

Purpose Targeted therapy is the cornerstone of treatment of advanced EGFR-mutant non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Next-generation sequencing (NGS), the preferred method for genotyping, typically requires several weeks. Here, we assessed workflows designed to rapidly identify patients with actionable EGFR mutations and reduce time to initiation (TTI) of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–directed therapy. Patients and Methods We performed rapid testing for EGFR L858R mutations and exon 19 deletions on paraffin-embedded or frozen section biopsy specimens from newly diagnosed patients with metastatic NSCLC by using an EGFR-specific assay (rapid test). To determine clinical utility, we assessed concordance with NGS results, turnaround time, and TTI of EGFR therapy, and we evaluated reimbursement data. Results Between January 2015 and September 2017, we performed 243 rapid EGFR tests and identified EGFR mutations in 43 patients (18%). With NGS results as a reference, sensitivity and specificity of the rapid EGFR polymerase chain reaction assay were 98% and 100%, respectively. The median turnaround time for NGS was 14 days, compared with 7 days for rapid testing ( P < .001). In the rapid group, 95% of patients received an EGFR inhibitor in the first-line setting. The median TTI of EGFR therapy was significantly shorter in the rapid cohort when compared with 121 historical cases (22 v 37 days; P = .01). Escalation of the initiative into an interdisciplinary ultra-rapid next-day frozen-section workflow for highly symptomatic patients (n = 8) resulted in a reduction in the median (± standard deviation) turnaround time to 1 ± 0.4 days and allowed several patients to initiate therapy within 1 week of biopsy. An extended 9-month clinical evaluation phase confirmed operational sustainability (turnaround times: ultra-rapid, 0.81 ± 0.4 days; rapid, 3 ± 1.5 days), and a 63% reimbursement rate indicated financial sustainability. Conclusion Rapid genotyping facilitates earlier initiation of EGFR-directed therapies without compromising NGS workflows.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has a propensity to metastasize to the chest, with the lungs being the most common distant metastatic site. The histologic subtype of RCC has implications for prognosis.Significant advances have been made in the management of metastatic RCC, both in systemic and locoregional therapies. The aim of this article is to review appearances of intrathoracic metastases from RCC and to discuss treatment considerations.

Image-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) is a well-established and minimally invasive technique for evaluating pulmonary nodules. Implementation of a national lung screening program and increased use of chest computed tomography have contributed to the frequent identification of indeterminate pulmonary nodules that may require tissue sampling. The advent of biomarker-driven lung cancer therapy has led to increased use of repeat PTNB after diagnosis. Percutaneous insertion of markers for preoperative localization of small nodules can aid in minimally invasive surgery and radiation treatment planning. This article discusses PTNB, patient selection, and biopsy technique, including minimizing and managing complications.

OBJECTIVE The study aims to compare single-energy (SE) and dual-energy (DE) computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for evaluation of suspected pulmonary embolism in pregnant and postpartum patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our study included 59 CTPA performed in pregnant/postpartum women (study group) comprised of 38 SE-CTPA and 21 DE-CTPA. The control group of 21 age- and weight-matched nonpregnant/nonpostpartum women underwent DE-CTPA. Two radiologists assessed pulmonary arterial enhancement, image quality, and artifacts. κ Test and analysis of variance were performed. RESULTS Fourteen of 38 pregnant/postpartum women (37%) had suboptimal SE-CTPA compared with just 10% (2/21) suboptimal DE-CTPA studies (P = 0.02). Mean Hounsfield unit (HU) in the pulmonary trunk was 550 ± 68 HU in the DE-CTPA pregnant/postpartum group and 245 ± 12 HU in the SE-CTPA (P < 0.001). The mean volume computed tomography dose index in the pregnant/postpartum patients for DE-CTPA and SE-CTPA were 9 ± 2 and 19 ± 8 mGy, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Dual-energy CTPA substantially increased arterial enhancement for evaluation of pulmonary embolism in pregnant and postpartum women compared with SE-CTPA.

Pulmonary nodules (PN) are frequently detected incidentally during coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). We evaluated whether the 2017 Fleischner Society guidelines may result in a decrease of follow-up testing of incidental PN as compared to prior guidelines in patients undergoing coronary CTA.We conducted a retrospective study of a registry of emergency department patients who underwent coronary CTA for acute coronary syndrome assessment between 2012 and 2017. Based on guidelines, patients35 years, history of cancer, or prior exams showing stability of PN were excluded. Patients60 years, history of smoking, irregular/spiculated PN morphology, or PN size20 mm were classified as high-risk for lung cancer. Radiological findings pertaining to PN were identified (PN size, morphology, quantity) through review of radiology reports. PN follow-up recommendations were established using 2017 Fleischner Society Guidelines and compared with prior guidelines for solid (2005) and subsolid (2013) PN. Data were analyzed with Student's t-test.The registry included 2066 patients (female 45.1%, 52.9 ± 11.0 years), of which 578 (28.0%) reported PN. 438 of those (21.2%) were eligible for guideline-based follow-up evaluation. 205 (4 6.8%) were classified as high-risk for lung cancer. 2017 guidelines reduced the number of individuals requiring follow-up by 64.5%, from 264 (12.8%) to 94 patients (4.5%) when compared to prior guidelines (p 0.001). The minimum number of follow-up chest CTs decreased by 55.8% from 430 to 190 (p 0.001).Application of the 2017 Fleischner Society Guidelines resulted in a significant decrease of follow-up testing for incidental PN in patients undergoing coronary CTA for suspected acute coronary syndrome.

This article explains the rationale of lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography and provides a practical approach to all relevant aspects of a lung cancer screening program. Imaging protocols, patient eligibility criteria, facility readiness, and reimbursement criteria are addressed step by step. Diagnostic criteria and Lung-RADS (Lung Computed Tomography Screening Reporting and Data System) nodule management pathways are illustrated with examples. Pearls and pitfalls for interpretation of lung cancer screening low-dose chest computed tomography are discussed.

Background The purpose of this study was to determine whether computed tomography-guided fiducial placement is a feasible and safe localization procedure to aid resection of small pulmonary nodules. Methods A retrospective review was performed of 20 nodules (mean size 11 mm; range, 6 to 19 mm) referred for preoperative computed tomography-guided fiducial placement in 19 patients (average age 64 ± 11 years; 13 women and 6 men). Results The technical success rate for the placement of fiducials was 95%, with deployment of fiducials into the pleural space in 1 case. Biopsy specimen was obtained at time of the fiducial placement in 4 cases, with sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 100% for malignancy. Two procedures (10%) were complicated by a pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement. The median time between fiducial placement and surgery was 7 days (range, 1 to 123). One to four fiducials were placed a median distance of 0 mm (range, 0 to 7 mm) from the edge of the nodule. Fiducials were identified by on-table fluoroscopy in all cases, and all nodules were completely excised with negative surgical margins. Mean fluoroscopy time was 46 seconds, and mean radiation dose was 12.97 mGy. The final diagnosis was primary lung cancer in 85% of cases, with organizing pneumonia and sarcoidosis accounting for the three benign nodules. Conclusions Computed tomography-guided fiducial placement is a feasible and safe technique that allows biopsy at the time of the procedure and aids localization of small pulmonary nodules during video-assisted thoracic surgery.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical and CT features of pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms (PAPs).A database search of chest CT examinations performed from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2014 identified 24 patients with findings consistent with PAPs. A CT finding consistent with a PAP was defined as a focal saccular outpouching of a pulmonary artery. Medical records were reviewed to determine clinical presentations, treatments, and outcomes. CT scans were reviewed by two board-certified fellowship-trained chest radiologists.A total of 35 PAPs were identified in 24 patients. Hemoptysis and shortness of breath were the most common presenting symptoms. The most commonly identified causes of PAPs were infection (33%), neoplasms (13%), and trauma (17%). Of the 35 PAPs, 29 (83%) were located in segmental or subsegmental pulmonary arteries. A solitary PAP was identified in 20 (83%) patients, and multiple PAPs were identified in three patients with endocarditis and one patient with pulmonary metastases. Only three of 35 (9%) PAPs were associated with a ground-glass halo. Endovascular treatment was successfully performed in 12 patients, and only one patient had immediate recurrent hemoptysis after treatment. PAP was clinically suspected by the referring clinicians in only three patients. Sixteen of the 35 (46%) PAPs were not reported on the initial CT studies.PAPs showed a strong predilection for the peripheral pulmonary arteries. Multiplicity of PAPs can be seen in the settings of endocarditis and pulmonary metastatic disease. Most PAPs were not associated with a ground-glass halo. PAPs can be lethal but were often not suspected clinically and were underreported by radiologists.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and robotically assisted surgery are used increasingly for minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic resection of pulmonary nodules. Unsuccessful localization of small, impalpable, or deep pulmonary nodules can necessitate conversion from VATS to open thoracotomy. Preoperative localization techniques performed by radiologists have improved the success rates of VATS resection for small and subsolid nodules. Any center at which VATS diagnostic resection of indeterminate pulmonary nodules is performed should be supported by radiologists who offer preoperative nodule localization. Many techniques have been described, including image-guided injection of radioisotopes and radiopaque liquids and placement of metallic wires, coils, and fiducial markers. These markers enable the surgeon to visualize the position of an impalpable nodule intraoperatively. This article provides details on how to perform each percutaneous localization technique, and a group of national experts with established nodule localization programs describe their preferred approaches. Special reference is made to equipment required, optimization of marker placement, prevention of technique-specific complications, and postprocedural treatment. This comprehensive unbiased review provides valuable information for those who are considering implementation or optimization of a nodule localization program according to workflow patterns, surgeon preference, and institutional resources in a particular center. ©RSNA, 2019.

We hypothesized that clinical process improvement strategies can reduce frequency of motion artifacts and expiratory phase scanning in chest CT. We reviewed 826 chest CT to establish the baseline frequency. Per clinical process improvement guidelines, we brainstormed corrective measures and priority-pay-off matrix. The first intervention involved education of CT technologists, following which 795 chest CT were reviewed. For the second intervention, instructional videos on optimal breath-hold were shown to 245 adult patients just before their chest CT. Presence of motion artifacts and expiratory phase scanning was assessed. We also reviewed 311 chest CT scans belonging to a control group of patients who did not see the instructional videos. Pareto and percentage run charts were created for baseline and post-intervention data. Baseline incidence of motion artifacts and expiratory phase scanning in chest CT was 35% (292/826). There was no change in the corresponding incidence following the first intervention (36%; 283/795). Respiratory motion and expiratory phase chest CT with the second intervention decreased (8%, 20/245 patients). Instructional videos for patients (and not education and training of CT technologists) reduce the frequency of motion artifacts and expiratory phase scanning in chest CT.

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a lobectomy to the location and orientation of nonresected lung nodule and its corresponding airway. METHODS We reviewed preoperative and postoperative computed tomography of patients who underwent lobectomies and have a separate nonresected nodule in the ipsilateral lung. Displacement of the nonresected nodule and angulation of its corresponding segmental bronchus were measured. RESULTS Fifty nodules from 40 patients (30 females, 10 male; mean ± SD age, 67 ± 7 years) were assessed. Nodules are displaced clockwise after right upper, right middle, and left lower lobectomies and counterclockwise after right lower and left upper lobectomies. Displacement of the remaining nodules was greater in the craniocaudal plane, followed by anteroposterior and transverses planes (mean, 3.7, 2.5, and 1.9 cm, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Remaining ipsilateral nodules and their associated segmental airways are displaced in a predictable fashion after lobectomy. This may help in the assessment of follow-up imaging.

Purpose To compare image quality and radiation doses for chest DECT acquired with dual-source and rapid-kV switching techniques. Materials and methods Our institutional Review Board approved retrospective study included 97 patients (54 men, 43 women; 63 ± 14 years) who underwent contrast-enhanced chest DECT with both single source, rapid kV-switching (SS-DECT) and dual source (DS-DECT) techniques per standard of care departmental protocols. Reconstructed images from both scanners had identical section thickness and section interval for virtual monoenergetic and material decomposition iodine (MDI) images. Two thoracic radiologists independently evaluated all DECT for findings, quality of images, perfusion defects (MDI), and presence of artifacts. Radiation dose descriptor, size-specific dose estimates (SSDE), was recorded. Data were analyzed with Wilcoxon Signed Rank and Cohen’s Kappa tests. Results There were no significant differences in patient weight or SSDE for the two DECT techniques (p > 0.06). Both radiologists reported no difference in lesion and artifact evaluation on the virtual monoenergetic images from either technique (p > 0.05). However, SS-DECT (in 63–71/97 patients) had substantial artifactual heterogeneity in pulmonary perfusion on MDI images compared to none on DS-DECT (p Conclusion Despite identical patients and associated radiation doses, there were substantial differences in material decomposition iodine images generated from SS-DECT and DS-DECT techniques. Pulmonary heterogeneity on MDI images from SS-DECT leads to artifactual areas of low perfusion and can confound interpretation of true pulmonary perfusion.

Several studies have suggested that non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who harbor anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement might have different imaging features compared with those without the rearrangement. The goal of this work was to systematically investigate the computed tomography (CT) imaging features of ALK-rearranged NSCLC.We searched published studies that investigated CT imaging features of ALK-rearranged NSCLC compared with ALK-negative, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant and ALK/EGFR-negative, NSCLC. We extracted clinicopathologic characteristics and CT imaging features of patients in the included studies. Features were compared and tested in the form of odds ratios (ORs) or weighted mean differences at a 95% confidence interval.Twelve studies with 2210 patients with NSCLC were included. Compared with ALK-negative NSCLC, ALK-rearranged NSCLC was more likely to be solid (OR, 2.37; P .001) and less likely to have cavitation (OR, 0.45; P = .002). In advanced stages, patients with ALK-rearranged NSCLC, compared with EGFR-mutant NSCLC, were more likely to have lymphadenopathy (OR, 3.47; P .001), pericardial metastasis (OR, 2.18; P = .04), pleural metastasis (OR, 2.07; P = .004), and lymphangitic carcinomatosis (OR, 3.41; P = .02), but less likely to have lung metastasis (OR, 0.52; P = .003). Compared with ALK/EGFR-negative NSCLC, ALK-rearranged NSCLC was more likely to have lymphangitic carcinomatosis (OR, 3.88; P = .03), pleural metastasis (OR, 1.89; P = .02), and pleural effusion (OR, 2.94; P = .003).ALK-rearranged NSCLC has imaging features that are different compared with EGFR-mutant and ALK/EGFR-negative NSCLC. These imaging features might provide clues as to the presence of ALK rearrangement and help in the selection of patients who might benefit from expedited molecular testing or repeat testing after a negative assay.

Millions of women undergo mammography screening each year, presenting an opportunity for radiologists to identify women eligible for lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose chest CT and smoking cessation counseling. The purpose of our study was to estimate the proportion of women eligible for LCS and tobacco cessation counseling among women reporting mammography screening within the previous 2 years using nationally representative cross-sectional survey data.Women between the ages of 55 and 74 years in the 2015 National Health Interview Survey without history of lung or breast cancer who reported mammography use in the previous 2 years were included. The primary outcome was the weighted proportion of women eligible for LCS. Secondary outcomes included self-reported receipt of LCS and current smoking. Bivariate and multiple variable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between primary and secondary outcomes and sociodemographics, accounting for complex survey design elements.Among 3,806 women meeting inclusion criteria, 7.1% were eligible for LCS and 9.8% were current smokers. Multivariable analyses demonstrated that LCS-eligible women were more likely to be white, younger, and non-college-educated and have lower household incomes (all P.001). Among all LCS-eligible women, 58% reported undergoing mammography screening within the previous 2 years. Among LCS-eligible women who underwent screening mammography, 7.9% reported undergoing LCS.The majority of LCS-eligible women received mammography screening but did not receive LCS. Mammography encounters may represent prime opportunities to increase LCS participation among patients already receiving imaging-based screening services.