Findings of diffuse bronchioalveolar carcinoma on CT

Objective To investigate the findings in diffuse bronchioalveolar carcinomas （DBAC） on CT. Methods Findings in 17 patients with DBAC on CT verified by pathology in Chinese PLA General Hospital during 2006-2008 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Honeycomb or reticular sign, bulging of interlobar fissure, air bronchogram, multiple nodules and/or ground glass opacity, and angiogram sign were found in 6, 2, 8, 5, and 4 of the 10 patients mainly manifested as consolidation, respectively. A single lobe segment, 2 single lobe segments, and multiple lobe segments were observed in 1, 2, and 2 of the 5 patients with multiple nodules and/or ground glass opacity, respectively. The patients with DBAC were characterized mainly by pleural traction, ground glass opacity, air bronchogram and bubble like sign. One of the 2 patients with ground glass opacity showed a crazy paving pattern. Most DBAC displayed combined CT findings. Conclusion Findings in DBAC on CT are complicated and should be intensively investigated for the diagnosis of DBAC.