P44: Carcinoma-small cell lung: Eadiologic aspects (about 22 cases).

Introduction: Lung small cell carcinoma is a neuroendocrine tumor, it is a very aggressive tumor characterized by its propensity for invasion and metastasis. The aim of our study is to describe the typical CT scan appearance of small cell lung carcinoma. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 22 patients with lung small cell carcinoma and explored by chest computed tomography (CT) with upper abdominal cuts. Our study was focused on the characteristics of the tumor process, the lymph nodes involvement (hilar and mediastinal), mediastinal structures invaded, lung parenchyma signs and parietal pleural extension. We also describe the secondary locations to abdominal floor. Results: The tumor processes were headquarters in 80.2% of cases. Their outlines were irregular in shape and lobed central in peripheral forms. The average number of mediastinal lymph node chains achieved was 2.4. Hilar or mediastinal lymph node was observed in 90%. Mediastinal structure most often invaded was the ipsilateral pulmonary artery (55.7%). Ventilation disorders, obstructive, were observed in 18% of patients presenting a central form. 54% of patients had extra-thoracic secondary locations at initial staging. Conclusion: The small lung carcinoma cells present in the majority of cases, such a proximal tumor; with mediastinal-pulmonary hilar extension. Chest CT allows determining the size of the tumor, its location and mediastinal invasion .She also clarifies the contact with the vena cava, the heart chambers, especially the pulmonary arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]