Contrast analysis of the relationship between the HRCT sign and new pathologic classification in small ground glass nodule-like lung adenocarcinoma

PurposeTo perform contrast analysis of the relationship between high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) signs and new pathologic classification of small GGNs-like lung adenocarcinoma.Materials and methodsThe HRCT data from 145 pathologically confirmed cases of small GGNs of lung adenocarcinoma were analysed retrospectively. The 145 cases of GGNs were divided into pre-invasive (PI) group (n=46), micro-invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) group (n=48), and invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) group (n=51). HRCT imaging sign of GGNs in each group was assessed and compared.ResultsSignificant differences in GGN size were found among the three groups (P<0.05). The presence of a tumour-lung interface in the MIA and IAC groups was significantly higher than that in the PI group (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between the MIA and IAC groups. The presence of a pleural indentation sign in the IAC group was significantly higher than that in the other two groups (P<0.05), but no significant difference was noted between the latter two groups. Significant differences were found in the lobulated and spicule signs among the three groups (P<0.05). The presence of a microvascular sign in the MIA and IAC groups was significantly higher than that in the PI group (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in the GGN density, vacuole sign, air bronchus sign and notch sign among the three groups.ConclusionsThe HRCT signs of GGNs could be used to differentiate among pre-invasive lesions, micro-invasive lesions and invasive lung adenocarcinoma.