OBJECTIVETo analyze the CT image features of pneumonic-type lung cancer and to reduce misdiagnosis.

METHODSThe CT findings of 46 patients with pneumonic-type lung cancer were retrospectively reviewed, and CT image in the differential diagnosis of this special kind of disease was evaluated.

RESULTSAccording to the extent of lesion, these cases were divided into two groups: multi-lobe consolidation group and single lobe consolidation group. The lesions in the latter group located in the upper, middle or lower lobe, respectively. Twenty-nine cases had homogeneous consolidation lesion, 14 cases showed single or multiple cysts and cavities in the lesions, 3 cases exhibited localized low density in the lesion. Forty-one cases shown the sign of air bronchogram with presentation of narrow air bronchogram in 25 of those. Forty cases showed well or ill defined ground-glass opacitiy surrounding the consolidation lesion. Fifteen cases had multi-nodules or opacities distributed in centrilobular or centric bronchiolar location. Of the 30 patients who received contrast medium, 23 showed distinct enhancement, and 7 showed indistinct enhancement with a positive CT angiogram.

CONCLUSIONCT findings including lower lobe distribution, homogeneous consolidation, narrow air bronchogram, well defined ground-glass and CT angiogram are helpful in differentiating pneumonic-type lung cancer from various kinds of infection. However, most of CT manifestations of pneumonic-type lung cancer are not specific. Therefore, it's necessary to combine CT findings with other clinical data when making diagnosis.