Combination of mean CT value and maximum CT value as a novel predictor of lepidic predominant lesions in small lung adenocarcinoma presenting as solid nodules

Lung adenocarcinomas presenting as solid nodules are occasionally diagnosed as lepidic predominant lesions. The aim of this study was to clarify the histological structure and to identify factors predictive of lepidic predominant lesions. We retrospectively reviewed 38 patients that underwent lobectomy for small (≤ 2 cm) adenocarcinoma presenting as solid nodules. Resected tumor slides were reviewed and histological components were evaluated. Clinical and radiological data were analyzed to identify factors predictive of lepidic predominant lesions. Of 38 solid nodules, 9 (23.7%) nodules were lepidic predominant lesions. Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 100% for lepidic predominant lesions (n = 9) and 74.6% for non-lepidic predominant lesions (n = 29). Mean CT values (p = 0.039) and maximum CT values (p = 0.015) were significantly lower in lepidic predominant lesions compared with non-lepidic predominant lesions. For the prediction of lepidic predominant lesions, the sensitivity and specificity of mean CT value (cutoff, − 150 HU) were 77.8% and 82.8%, respectively, and those of maximum CT value (cutoff, 320 HU) were 77.8% and 72.4%, respectively. A combination of mean and maximum CT values (cutoffs of − 150 HU and 380 HU for mean CT value and maximum CT value, respectively) more accurately predicted lepidic predominant lesions, with a sensitivity and specificity of 77.8% and 86.2%, respectively. The prognosis of lepidic predominant lesions was excellent, even for solid nodules. The combined use of mean and maximum CT values was useful for predicting lepidic predominant lesions, and may help predict prognosis.