The positive predictive factors of CT-guided TTFNA are related to the nodule size, density and distance from the pleural plane. The most common negative predictive factor of CT-guided TTFNA is the wrong position of the needle tip, as observed in the sagittal and axial oblique sections of the MPR reconstructions. The diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided TTFNA can therefore be improved by using the MPR technique to plan the needle path during the FNA procedure.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and sonographic impact on the rotator cuff (RC) of the use of the anterolateral approach for nailing. Clinical assessment using the Constant score, simple shoulder test and through shoulder examination tests was carried out. The sonographic study investigated the integrity of the RC. Results Mean score on Constant's scale was 78.21 points, with most patients achieving a good result (79 % obtained more than 65 points). One patient had a limited functional outcome (Constant's score of 49 points). The sonographic findings described for supraspinatus tendon were a partial ruptures of less than 30 mm in three patients and a complete tendon rupture in one case.Conclusions The results of this study suggest that the use of the anterolateral approach for antegrade humeral nailing ensures a good functional result with no significant clinicalsonographic impact on the rotator cuff and a satisfactory long term clinical outcome.

The visual score is still the main radiological method of quantifying the extent of abnormalities in patients with UIP, whilst the range of density 700 to 400 HU can be helpfully applied in a predominant pattern of ground-glass and reticular opacities without honeycombing.