Comparison of x-ray plain films, x-ray tomograms and computed tomograms in lung nodules in children and adolescents

A comparison was carried out of the value of plain radiographs, tomography and CT in 37 patients aged between five and 24 years. The majority of these patients had an osteosarcoma. Thirty-five CT examinations were performed on 16 patients and about 300 foci were demonstrated. Plain radiographs only showed 50%, and tomograms only 70% of these lesions. Surgery was carried out in 34 patients and there was agreement between the findings at thoracotomy and radiology in about half the cases. Frequently, more metastases were found at operation than could be demonstrated radiologically, in a few cases there were fewer.