Correct!
5. Perform unenhanced thoracic CT
Based on the foregoing discussion, performing unenhanced thoracic CT is typically the next step, after attempting to locate prior imaging to document nodule stability, in the evaluation of the indeterminate solitary pulmonary nodule. Thoracic MRI is typically less rewarding for evaluation of pulmonary nodules; while nodule enhancement can be appreciated at enhanced MRI, calcification within a nodule- a strong predictor of a benign etiology for the nodule- is far more readily detectable, and characterizable, using CT. As noted previously, 18FDG-PET scanning is also useful for charactering solitary pulmonary nodules, but is typically obtained after any prior imaging is obtained and reviewed and the nodule has been characterized with unenhanced thoracic CT.
The patient underwent unenhanced thoracic CT (Figure 2).
Figure 3. Representative images from the thoracic CT scan in lung windows (A-F) and soft tissue windows (J-L) showing the right lung nodule (arrows). Lower panel: video of thoracic CT scan in lung windows.
Which of the following represents the most accurate assessment of the thoracic CT findings? (Click on the correct answer to proceed to the fifth of ten pages)