Role of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography in Differentiation between Benign & Malignant Cavitary Lung Lesions

Abstract
Background: In patients with cavitary lung diseases, it is crucial to detect the lesion for determining adequate treatment. Multislice CT in combination with other radiologic images is currently regarded as the most appropriate diagnostic imaging for differentiation between benign and malignant cavitary lung lesions.
Aim of Study: To evaluate the role of multi-detector computed tomography in differentiation between benign & malignant cavitary lung lesions.
Material and Methods: The present study included 60 patients with cavitary lung lesions. They were 46 males and 14 females. Their ages ranged l5 years and 83 years with their mean age of 50 years old. All patients were subjected to radiological examination including chest X-ray and 16 slice MDCT scanner.
Results: In this study there were 10 patients with airway diseases, 35 patients with infective lesions, and another 15 patients with tumors. The diagnosis was confirmed by (clinical follow-up, needle biopsy or bronchoscopy). In our study, 2 cases had false positive results by CT and one case had false negative results by CT, multislice computed tomography showed sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 88%, and accuracy of 87%.
Conclusion: MDCT is superior to plain X-ray in demon-strating the cavitary lung lesions with higher degree of clarity. It can define the exact anatomical site of the cavity, charac-terization of the cavitary wall and abnormalities in the sur-rounding lung parenchyma. It is reliable in detecting lesions in areas difficult to visualize by plain X-ray.