Search

Background and Objectives: This study’s objective was to investigate the influence of increased scan speed and pitch on image quality and nodule volumetry in patients who underwent ultra-low-dose chest computed tomography (CT). Material and Methods: One hundred and two patients who had lung nodules were included in this study. Standard-speed, standard-pitch (SSSP) ultra-low-dose CT and high-speed, high-pitch (HSHP) ultra-low-dose CT were obtained for all patients. Image noise was measured as the standard deviation of attenuation. One hundred and sixty-three nodules were identified and classified according to location, volume, and nodule type. Volume measurement of detected pulmonary nodules was compared according to nodule location, volume, and nodule type. Motion artifacts at the right middle lobe, the lingular segment, and both lower lobes near the lung bases were evaluated. Subjective image quality analysis was also performed. Results: The HSHP CT scan demonstrated decreased motion artifacts at the left upper lobe lingular segment and left lower lobe compared to the SSSP CT scan (p < 0.001). The image noise was higher and the radiation dose was lower in the HSHP scan (p < 0.001). According to the nodule type, the absolute relative volume difference was significantly higher in ground glass opacity nodules compared with those of part-solid and solid nodules (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study results suggest that HSHP ultra-low-dose chest CT scans provide decreased motion artifacts and lower radiation doses compared to SSSP ultra-low-dose chest CT. However, lung nodule volumetry should be performed with caution for ground glass opacity nodules.

Background and Objectives: Glomus tumors are rare benign tumors. The majority of them affect the skin the most and are rarer in the trachea, where the glomus bodies may not be present. Only scarce reports of tracheal glomus tumors have been reported solely with case reports of relevant articles. Materials and Methods: A 53-year-old man, with a free previous medial history, presented to our hospital with tracheal mass which was incidentally found. He did not complain of any specific symptoms associated with the tracheal tumor. The contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) revealed an avid enhancing nodular lesion, which is similar to blood vessels, in the trachea, 3 cm above the carina level without definite airway obstruction. Results: Successful tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis were performed on the patients; therefore, the final post-operative pathologic findings revealed a benign tracheal glomus tumor. The follow-up CT scan four months after operation showed complete removal of the tumor. Conclusion: Tracheal glomus tumors, even rare entities, could be considered as a differential diagnosis if a highly enhancing mass appears on CT images.