Rheumatoid pulmonary nodules: clinical and imaging features compared with malignancy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

The objective of this study was to identify clinical and imaging features that distinguish rheumatoid lung nodules from malignancy.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective review of 73 rheumatoid patients with histologically-proven rheumatoid and malignant lung nodules encountered at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (2001-2016). Medical records and imaging were reviewed including a retrospective blinded review of CT and PET/CT studies.

RESULTS:

The study cohort had a mean age of 67 ± 11 years (range 45-86) including 44 (60%) women, 82% with a smoking history, 38% with subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules, and 78% with rheumatoid factor seropositivity. Subjects with rheumatoid lung nodules compared to malignancy were younger (59 ± 12 vs 71 ± 9 years, p < 0.001), more likely to manifest subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules (73% vs 20%, p < 0.001) and rheumatoid factor seropositivity (93% vs 68%, p = 0.034) but a history of smoking was common in both groups (p = 0.36). CT features more commonly associated with rheumatoid lung nodules compared to malignancy included multiplicity, smooth border, cavitation, satellite nodules, pleural contact, and a subpleural rind of soft tissue. Optimal sensitivity (77%) and specificity (92%) (AUC 0.85, CI 0.75-0.94) for rheumatoid lung nodule were obtained with ≥ 3 CT findings (≥ 4 nodules, peripheral location, cavitation, satellite nodules, smooth border, and subpleural rind). Key 18FDG-PET/CT features included low-level metabolism (SUVmax 2.7 ± 2 vs 7.2 ± 4.8, p = 0.007) and lack of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid draining lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION:

Rheumatoid lung nodules have distinct CT and PET/CT features compared to malignancy. Patients with rheumatoid lung nodules are younger and more likely to manifest subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules and seropositivity.

KEY POINTS:

• Rheumatoid lung nodules have distinct clinical and imaging features compared to lung malignancy. • CT features of rheumatoid lung nodules include multiplicity, cavitation, satellite nodules, smooth border, peripheral location, and subpleural rind. • Key PET/CT features include low-level metabolism and lack of FDG-avid draining lymph nodes.

• Authors: Matthew Koslow, Jason R Young, Eunhee S Yi, Misbah Baqir, Paul A Decker, Geoffrey B Johnson, Jay H Ryu
• Journal: European radiology (Eur Radiol) Vol. 29 Issue 4 Pg. 1684-1692 (Apr 2019) ISSN: 1432-1084 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 30288558 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Radiopharmaceuticals
• Fluorodeoxyglucose F18

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
• Humans
• Kaplan-Meier Estimate
• Lung Neoplasms (diagnostic imaging)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Multiple Pulmonary Nodules (diagnostic imaging)
• Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
• Radiopharmaceuticals
• Retrospective Studies
• Rheumatoid Nodule (diagnostic imaging)
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed