PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to identify the CT features helpful in the differential diagnosis of Iobar consolidation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the CT findings in 52 consecutive patients with Iobar consolidation which were proved to be pulmonary tuberculosis(n=24), malignant obstructive pneumonitis due to bronchogenic carcinoma(n=21), and lung abscess(n=7). We retrospectively reviewed CT scans with respect to 1) number of cavities or low attenuation area suggesting necrosis(we described these as cavity), 2) the contour of cavity, 3) enhancement of the cavity wall, 4) enhancement of pleura, 5) small nodules adjacent to the consolidation, 6) similar lesion in other location in lung, 7) air-bronchogram 8) mediastinal lymph node enlargement, and 9) extrapleural change. RESULTS: The helpful CT fingings in the patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were multiple cavities(more than three;79.2%), small nodules adjacent to the Iobar consolidation(75.0%), similar lesion in another lobe or lung(91.7%), air-bronchogram(91.7%), and mediastinal lymph node enlargement(58.3%). Although extrapleural change had low sensitivity it was highly specific for pulmonary tuberculosis(sensitivity, 43.5%;specificity, 91. 7%). Multiple cavities(61.9%) and mediastinal lymph node enlargement(52.4%) were common findings of malignant obstructive pneumonitis. In the patients with lung abscess, the common findings were small number of cavities(one or two, 85.7%) and air-bronchogram(85.7%). However, other findings of pulmonary tuberculosis were rarely seen in the patients with malignant obstructive pneumonitis or lung abscess. CONCLUSION: The CT findings of Iobar consolidation may be used as useful adjuncts in the differential diagnosis of Iobar consolidation.
Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Lung Abscess* ; Lung* ; Lymph Nodes ; Pleura ; Pneumonia* ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Tuberculosis* ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

PURPOSE: We attempted to determine the frequency of the type of anterior diaphragm and diaphragmatic abnormalities, and to ascertain whether these two may be correlated with respiration and patient's age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred abdominal CT scans that were obtained at end expiration and 150 chest CT scans that were obtained at end inspiration were retrospectively reviewed for the evaluation of anterior diaphragmatic appearance, diaphragmatic defect, pseudotumor, and undulation. We evaluated the frequency of these findings and the differences of diaphragmatic appearance between the group above 60 years and the group under 59 years. RESULTS: The most common type of anterior diaphragm was lower(50.0%) on chest CT scans and superior (32.5%) on abdominal CT scans;thus, a significant relationship with respiration was observed. Diaphragmatic defect, pseudotumor, and undulation were found in 15.1%, 16.0%, 22.6% of all 350 patients, respectively. Diaphragmatic defect did not change significantly with the respiration or the type of anterior diaphragm. Pseudotumor and undulation, which were more common on chest CT scans and the lower type of anterior diaphragm, demonstrated a trend to change with respiration. Diaphragmatic defect, pseudotumor, and undulation were more common in older age above 60 years(26.4%, 23.6%, 36.8%, respectively) than in under 59 years(7.3%, 10.7%, 12.6%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Anterior diaphragmatic appearances may not be constant but may change with respiration. Respiration and aging process may be the main causes of diaphragmatic abnormalities.
Aging ; Diaphragm* ; Humans ; Respiration ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

No abstract available.
Carcinoma in Situ* ; Diagnosis* ; Humans