Objective To assess the value of distigushing pulmonary inflammatory nodules from malignant ones using multi-slice spiral CT(MSCT) dynamic enhancement.Materials and Methods 33 cases of solitary pulmonary nodules(SPNs)(diameters≤4cm) were investigated.Before and after injection of 1.5ml/kg iodinated contrast material,thin-section CT scaning was performed.Enhancement values,patterns,time-attenuation curves were interpreted.14 cases of malignant nodules,and 2 cases inflammatory nodules pathological proven,6 cases of inflammatory nodules healed,were included in this study.Results 1.Enhancement values:The peak enhancement value were ranged from 20 HU to 60HU.2.Enhancement patterns:Malignant nodules were predominated in complete enhancement pattern;while inflammatory nodules in peripheral enhancement pattern.3.Time-attenuation curves:The CT values of malignant nodules slightly decreased after peak value,while inflammatory ones markedly dropped.Conclusion The difference is found in the enhancement patterns and time-attenuation curves between malignant and inflammatory SPNs,while peak time and enhancement peak values for both inflammatory and malignant nodules have no significant difference.Dynamic enhancement can be helpful to distigush inflammatory nodules from malignant ones.
