Tuberc Respir Dis.  1983 Mar;30(1):32-38. 10.4046/trd.1983.30.1.32.

Noninvasive Diagnosis of Mediastinal Metastasis of Lung Cancer

• KMID: 2528812
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.1983.30.1.32

Abstract

Before operation (mediastinoscopy or thoracotomy or both) 24 cases of non-small cell lung cancer were prospectively evaluated for mediastinal metastasis by comparing the relative ventilation of the involved lung as determined by Lateral Position Test and Perfusion Lung Scan. The results were compared with the operative finding (mediastinal lymph node involvement or not) and following results were obtained. 1) In Twelve cases without mediastinal lymph node involvement, the difference of the relative ventilation as determined by Lateral Position Test and Perfusion Lung Scan was 4.7±0.9% (Mean±S.E.M.). 2) In 12 cases with mediastinal lympth node involvement, the difference was 20.4± 2.5% (Mean±S.E.M.). 3) Absolute difference was always less than 10% in twelve cases without mediastinal lymph node involvement, and the absolute difference was always more than 12% in 12 cases having Mediastinal Lymph Node metastasis. 4) In summary, Lateral Position Test combined with Perfusion Lung Scan was a noninvasive, economical method for evaluating Mediastinal Lymph Node metastasis and was a useful method which would take the place of mediastinoscopy to a certain degree.