PURPOSE

We aimed to explore the value of localizing small ground-glass nodules (GGNs; <10 mm) or multiple GGNs within the same lobe in re-aerated lung specimens using CT-guided fine-needle localization.

METHODS

Thirty-five lung specimens containing single small GGNs (<10 mm) and eight specimens containing two or more GGNs in the same lobe were re-aerated with an inflatable aerator. All lesions were localized via CT-guided fine-needle localization following re-aeration. The specimens were then sent for pathologic sampling and qualitative diagnosis.

RESULTS

All 69 nodules from 43 cases were successfully localized using CT-guided fine-needle localization following re-aeration.

CONCLUSIONS

CT-guided fine-needle localization of lesions in surgical specimens under constant, moderate mechanical aeration allows for the rapid and accurate localization of lesions and helps avoid damage from preoperative localization.