Purpose: To describe the imaging features of bronchial carcinoids and to define the role of CT as a diagnostic and pretherapeutic tool.
Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective study including 54 carcinoids. We evaluated and compared the clinical, radiographic, CT, fiberoptic, and pathologic data.
Results: At presentation, the mean age was 48.5 years (14-81) and patients mainly complained of signs related to bronchial obstruction (55.7%). 72% of bronchial carcinoids were located in the proximal airway. CT showed calcifications in 26% of 54 cases and contrast enhancement in 60%. Typical carcinoids differed from atypical carcinoids in their size and lymph node extension. As compared to fiberoptic bronchoscopy, CT identified proximal carcinoids with exo-bronchial extension (7.4%), peripheral tumors (20.4%), and parenchymal complications. The sensitivity and predictive positive-value of CT for lymph node extension was 28% and 20%, respectively.
Conclusion: CT is a useful technique for diagnosing and localizing bronchial carcinoids. The results of CT in determining lymph node extension is disappointing, and should raise caution in case of localized treatment using fiberoptic bronchoscopy.