Frequency of incidentally detected pulmonary nodules and their association with smoking history among adult liver transplant candidates

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Lung cancer carries a huge burden of global deaths. Routine imaging done frequently for other reasons detects pulmonary nodules which when carefully evaluated, may support in early recognition and management of early malignancies. This study aims to determine the frequency of incidental pulmonary nodules detected in pre-transplant patients and to evaluate the association between the presence of nodules and smoking history. Methodology: This study was conducted at Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center, including 139 pre-transplant patients evaluated over a period of six months. Pre-transplant CT scans and clinical data were reviewed. Pulmonary nodules were identified and statistical analysis, including Fisher exact test, was applied to determine the association between smoking history and nodule presence. Results: A total of 139 pre transplant patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 50.9+/-10.4 years. Mainstream of the patients were male (74.0%) and lung nodules were detected in 9 patients (6.4%). 16 patients had a history of smoking (11.5%). It was found from the study that smokers had a significantly higher prevalence of lung nodules than non-smokers (31.3% vs. 3.3%, Fisher exact test, p=0.001). Conclusion: A significant trend towards higher prevalence of pulmonary nodules was observed among smokers.