Distinctive radiological aspects of bronchial carcinoid tumors

Abstract

Learning objectives: We report in this article the various radiologic features of bronchial carcinoid tumors, as well as their specific distribution within the lung, which could help distinguishing them from other pulmonary tumors and establishing an appropriate therapeutic strategy. Materials and methods: We reviewed the medical records of all patients with bronchial carcinoid tumors diagnosed by biopsy or surgical resection, and that underwent CT scans in the radiology department of university hospital HASSAN II in Fez, for a period of 05 years, from January 2015 up to January 2020. Results: The study group included 24 patients of which 16 were women and eight were men. The average age was 41 years old (range: 18–64 years). The clinical presentation was dominated by hemoptysis in 16 cases. However, 04 patients were asymptomatic. Tumors were predominantly proximal (72%). The mean tumor diameter was 22 mm (range: 05–58 mm); the majority of the tumors (88%) had a lobulated outline, and they were all solid, containing partial calcifications in 26% of cases and significantly enhanced after contrast injection in 61% of cases. 17 of this tumors were typical carcinoids and the seven remaining were atypical. Conclusion: Carcinoid bronchial tumors are known to be low-grade tumors and are classified as lung neuroendocrine tumors. There are two types of carcinoid tumors, typical and atypical, which are different in terms of aggressiveness and prognosis, although they present similar imaging features. the analysis of imaging features allows a better understanding of this type of tumor and a better management