Two-year close follow-up results of incidentally detected subpleural and perifissure nodules

The aim of this study is to examine the two-year follow-up results of subplevral and perifissural nodules. In our study, the frequency, size, and morphological characteristics of subplevral and perifissural nodules were analyzed using computed tomography scans conducted on a total of 104 patients from various age and gender groups. Patients were assessed for smoking habits, family history of malignancy, and coexisting diseases, and changes in nodules over time were recorded. In our findings, 54.8% of patients with subplevral nodules had a single nodule, while 45.2% had multiple nodules. Perifissural nodules were identified in 22.1% of all patients. The median diameter of nodules at the initial CT scan was 7.0 mm, which decreased to 6.5 mm at the final measurement after two years. The overall nodule stability rate was 80.6%, with nodule increase observed in 11.7%, decrease in 4.9%, and disappearance in 2.9% of cases. Over the two-year period, subplevral and perifissural nodules generally remained stable, although size changes were observed in a small portion of cases. Our research findings reveal that the characteristics of pulmonary nodules vary depending on the patient's gender, disease status, and other clinical features. Ground-glass nodules are more frequently observed in male patients, while individuals with COPD-asthma comorbidity tend to have irregularly bordered nodules, and those with solid tumors more commonly exhibit spiculated and calcified nodules. Nodules in patients with cardiac diseases are generally located peripherally, whereas in diabetic patients, a perifissural position is more commonly observed. Additionally, the likelihood of discontinuing treatment is significantly higher among patients with solid tumors. These patients also have higher probabilities of receiving a pathological diagnosis and experiencing nodule growth. Solid and irregularly bordered nodules, along with subsolid, ground-glass, irregularly bordered, and cavity-containing nodules, are associated with increased chances of receiving a pathological diagnosis and continuing treatment. Diagnostic sampling in patients has shown that compared to those not sampled, there is a higher likelihood of obtaining a pathological final diagnosis, experiencing nodule growth, and continuing treatment. Our findings suggest that close monitoring of such nodules may be crucial in early detection of potential malignant transformations.