Bronchial Carcinoid Tumors of the Thorax: Spectrum of Radiologic Findings

Abstract

Bronchial carcinoid tumors are neuroendocrine neoplasms that range from low-grade typical carcinoids to more aggressive atypical carcinoids and therefore demonstrate a wide spectrum of clinical behaviors and histologic features. Typical and atypical bronchial carcinoids have similar imaging features. Because most bronchial carcinoids are located in central airways, radiologic findings are usually related to bronchial obstruction. Central bronchial carcinoids manifest as an endobronchial nodule or hilar or perihilar mass with a close anatomic relationship to the bronchus. The mass is usually a well-defined, round or ovoid lesion and may be slightly lobulated at radiography and computed tomography (CT). Associated atelectasis, air trapping, obstructing pneumonitis, and mucoid impaction may also be seen. Peripheral bronchial carcinoids appear as solitary nodules. Calcification is common and is easily visualized at CT. Bronchial carcinoids demonstrate high signal intensity on T2-weighted and short-inversion-t...