Comparison of Thin-section CT Images with Bronchogrphy in Peripheral Pulmonary Nodule

Abstract

Thirty-five cases with peripheral pulmonary nodules on a chest radiograph were examined by bronchography and thin-section high resolution CT. With CT examination nodules 2cm or less in size, in 5th order bronchus can be identified in the peripheral zone of upper lobe segments (particularly S^1, S^<1+2>a, b), but in middle or lower lobe segments, frequently not even 4th order bronchus can be identified. In the differential diagnosis of nodules, CT cannot revealed as detailed bronchial changes as bronchography, therefore margin characteristics and pleural indentation are important for diagnosis.