The value of computed tomography for predicting empyema-associated malignancy.

Ho Yun Lee; Jin Mo Goo; Hyun Ju Lee; Chang Hyun Lee; Eun Ju Chun; Jung-Gi Im

doi:10.1097/00004728-200605000-00017

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The value of computed tomography for predicting empyema-associated malignancy.

Ho Yun Lee·Jin Mo Goo·Hyun Ju Lee·Chang Hyun Lee·Eun Ju Chun·Jung-Gi Im

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of computed tomography (CT) scanning in detecting associated malignancy in patients with chronic empyema. METHODS: Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed CT scans of 112 consecutive patients with chronic empyema and arrived at a consensus about the findings. Among these patients, 6 were confirmed by pathology evaluation to have empyema-associated malignancy (EAM), including 4 lymphomas. The CT scans were evaluated for the presence of the following findings: a mass in the empyema sac; mass involvement of the extrapleural fat, chest wall, rib, and lung; bulging of the empyema sac; nodular pleural thickening; empyema involvement of the mediastinal pleura; presence of lung nodules (>1 cm); and mediastinal lymph node enlargement. The association between the CT findings and the EAM was analyzed with the Fisher exact test. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictive variables for EAM. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value were calculated for each finding. RESULTS: All CT findings, except rib involvement and bulging of empyema sac, were significantly associated with EAM (P<0.05). The finding of the presence of a mass, extrapleural fat, and mediastinal involvement showed relatively high sensitivity (100%, 67%, 67%, respectively) and specificity (81%, 87%, 91%, respectively). A bulging of the empyema sac and nodular pleural thickening showed 100% sensitivity, but low specificity (39% and 44%, respectively). Findings from the multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of a mass and empyema of the mediastinal pleura were significant variables associated with EAM (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although many CT findings are associated with EAM, most showed either low positive predictive value or low sensitivity. A variety of CT findings should be considered when evaluating CT image-based detection of EAM.

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Ho Yun Lee, Jin Mo Goo, Hyun Ju Lee, Chang Hyun Lee, Eun Ju Chun, Jung-Gi Im. The value of computed tomography for predicting empyema-associated malignancy.. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004728-200605000-00017

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