CHSJ

Curr Health Sci J, vol. 51, no. 4, 2025

Baseline Low-Dose CT Findings in a High-Risk Romanian Population: First Experience with Lung Cancer Screening

[Original Paper]

C.M. CIOFIAC(1,2), M.A. ENE(2,3), L.M. FLORESCU(1,3), R.V.T. OLARU(3), I.A. GHEONEA(1,3)


(1)Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania;
(2)Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania;
(3)Craiova County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Craiova, Romania;
(4)Department of Radiology, Faculty of Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania


Abstract:

Background: Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening has demonstrated significant reductions in lung cancer mortality among high-risk individuals. However, data from Eastern European populations remain scarce, and no national screening program currently exists in Romania. Objective: To describe the baseline demographic characteristics, LDCT findings, and incidental pulmonary abnormalities in a high-risk Romanian cohort undergoing the first round of lung cancer screening. Methods: This single-center, observational study included 42 participants aged 43-76 years (mean 56.4), all of whom underwent baseline LDCT between during one month in 2025. Participants were categorized according to the Lung-RADS system, and incidental findings were recorded. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for demographic and imaging variables. Results: The cohort included 27 smokers (63%), 11 former smokers (26%), and 4 never-smokers (9%), with a mean BMI of 28.3. Most participants (81%) were classified as Lung-RADS 1-2, while 4 participants (9%) had Lung-RADS 3-4 findings requiring closer follow-up. The most frequent incidental pulmonary abnormalities were fibrosis (63%), followed by emphysema (5%), pulmonary infection (5%), and others (2%). Conclusion: Baseline LDCT screening in this Romanian high-risk cohort revealed a predominance of low-risk nodules and smoking-related lung changes. These findings highlight both clinical feasibility and the need for structured lung cancer screening implementation at the national level.


Keywords: Low-dose CT, lung cancer screening, Lung-RADS, smoking, fibrosis.



Corresponding: Rossy Vladu Teica, 4 Department of Radiology, Faculty of Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania, rossy.teica@gmail.com


DOI 10.12865/CHSJ.51.04.12 - Download PDF
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