This pictorial review gives an overview of morphological features of solitary pulmonary nodules. Furthermore it highlights the importance of morphology for the early detection and diagnosis of malignancies.

Teaching points:

• Size of a pulmonary nodule is important, but morphological assessment should not be underestimated.
• Lung nodules should be evaluated on thin section CT, in both lung and mediastinal window settings.
• Features associated with benignity include a triangular morphology, internal fat and calcifications.
• Spiculation, pleural retraction and notch sign are highly suggestive of a malignant nature.
• Complex features (e.g. bubble-like lucencies) are highly indicative of a malignant nature.

Article: Evaluation of the solitary pulmonary nodule: size matters, but do not ignore the power of morphology

Authors: Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit et al