Ground glass nodules evolution according with an history of tumour

Purpose: To test the relation between oncologic anmnesis and CT pattern of growth in ground glass nodules (GGN). Methods and Materials: 209 GGNs were diagnosed by CT in 147 subjects at our hospital. Demographic data and anamnesis were recorded. Subjects were categorized according to history of tumor as follows: "oncologic" and "non- oncologic". CT features of each GGN were assessed from an initial and a follow-up CT. GGNs of each category were then divided into "persisting" or "resolved". Pattern of growth in persisting GGNs was defined by an increase of total diameter or an appearance/increase of solid component diameter. Association of oncologic anamnesis with GGN growth was tested by Fisher's exact test and Kruskall-Wallis test. Results: The 209 GGNs were found in 98/147 (66.7%) oncologic and 49/147 (33.3%) non-oncologic subjects. Pure GGNs (pGGN) were evenly represented in oncologic (91.9%) and non-oncologic (83.6%) subjects (p = 0.09). Disappearance rate was similar between non-oncologic (13.1%) and oncologic (20.27%) category (p = 0.24). Persisting GGNs showed similar growth rate between non-oncologic (30%) and oncologic (22.9%) subjects (p = 0.34). Growth pattern was associated with CT features of GGN, namely, diameter > 10 mm in pGGNs (HR = 15.43) and presence of solid component (HR = 23.08). Conclusion: GGNs showed the same rate of growth pattern in either oncologic or non-oncologic subjects. Growth was related to CT features of GGN in all subjects, despite history of tumor. Therefore, CT management of GGN in oncologic patients should follow the same parameters used for non-oncologic subjects.