Usability and Feasibility of Chest Perfusion Computed Tomography in Differentiating Small Cell Lung Cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Objective: We aimed to investigate to usability and feasibility of perfusion computerized tomography (PCT) in differentiating small cell lung cancer (SCLC) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: Between September 2013 and February 2022, 42 patients with a detected lung mass took part in the present study. All patients went through PCT examination, and data regarding permeability (PMB), blood flow (BF), and blood volume (BV) of the tumor were acquired. These parameters along with mass diameter of the tumors were compared in both cancer types.

Results: Maximum tumor diameter was measured as 48 ± 11 mm in average in the SCLC cases and 49 ± 15 mm in the NSCLC cases (P=.892). There was a correlation at a moderate level between the tumor’s maximal diameter and PMB (r=.49, P=.020). Regarding tumor PMB values, there was a meaningful variation between the 2 tumor groups (SCLC: 16.4 ± 3.6 mL/100 mL/min; NSCLC: 5.1 ± 2.8 mL/100 mL/min; P=.001). No further meaningful differences were observed among the BF- and BV-related comparisons.

Conclusion: Among the perfusion parameters in lung PCT, PMB can be used to distinguish the NSCLC from SCLC in patients who were diagnosed with lung cancer.

Cite this article as: Özyigit O, Eren S. Usability and feasibility of chest perfusion computed tomography in differentiating small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Arch Basic Clin Res. 2024;6(1):1-6.