Table 2

CT characteristics of pulmonary nodules

CharacteristicsTotalMalignantBenignP
Nodule type, n (%)0.001
 Non-solid16 (5.1)10 (4.7)6 (5.9)
 Part-solid36 (11.5)34 (16.0)2 (4.7)
 Solid262 (83.4)168 (79.2)94 (92.2)
Nodule size (mm)<0.001
 Median (IQR)16.0 (12.0–20.0)18.0 (14.0–22.0)12.5 (9.0–18.0)
Location, n (%)0.886
 Upper lobe178 (56.7)122 (57.5)56 (54.9)
 Middle lobe28 (8.9)19 (9.0)9 (8.8)
 Lower lobe108 (34.4)71 (33.5)37 (36.3)
Margin, n (%)<0.001
 Smooth57 (18.2)11 (5.2)46 (45.1)
 Lobulated62 (19.7)48 (22.6)14 (13.7)
 Spiculated195 (62.1)153 (72.2)42 (41.2)
Nodule density (HU), median (IQR)
 CT density unenhanced26.0 (15.0–34.0)27.0 (20.0–34.5)26.5 (15.0–35.0)0.481
 CT density enhanced*64.0 (47.0–80.0)67.0 (51.0–81.0)57.5 (34.5–77.0)0.015
 Difference value*38.0 (21.9–54.0)42.0 (26.5–54.5)28.0 (8.5–46.3)0.001

*n = 76 without contrast-enhanced CT examination.