Roy A Raad, Sherief Garrana, Andre L Moreira, William H Moore, Jane P Ko
Radiol Clin North Am. 2025 Jul;63(4):517-535. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2024.12.002. Epub 2025 Jan 24.
Subsolid nodules (SSNs) are increasingly encountered in chest computed tomography (CT) imaging and clinical practice, as awareness of their significance and CT utilization grows. Either part-solid or solely ground-glass in attenuation, SSNs are shown to correlate with lung adenocarcinomas and their precursors, although a differential diagnosis is to be considered that includes additional neoplastic and inflammatory etiologies. This review discusses the differential diagnosis for SSNs, imaging and clinical features, and pathology that are helpful when making management decisions that may include PET/CT, biopsy, or surgery. Potential pitfalls in nodule characterization and management will be highlighted, to aid in managing SSNs appropriately.