CT diagnosis of spherical pneumonia: a report of 12 cases

Objective: To analyse the imaging features of spherical pneumonia(SP) and to differentiate the SP from other spherical lesions.Methods: Twelve cases of SP clinically verified were analyzed retrospectively.Results: The CT findings were as follows:lesions were most frequently located in both lobus inferior pulmonis.Bilateral margins of the lesions were perpendicular to pleura with a straight cut-edge presenting a ‘square sign’.Edge unsharpness,crude or Indentation ‘Halo-sign’,intensified vascular markings could also be seen;Adjacent pleural thickness,reduce of lesions after anti-inflammatory therapy was inclined to SP.There were no mediastinal and hilar lymph enlargememt.Conclusions: CT exam was an effective way to diagnose and differentiate SP from other spherical lesions.