The study showed that CANARY-based risk stratification of ACs manifesting as pure ground glass nodules allows the differentiation of AIS, MIA and IACs, the histological subtypes of these lesions. The volumes and percentage of the three CANARY color-coded components of each nodule were then used for analysis.

Study shows that the percentage of low risk components decreased from AIS to MIA and from MIA to IAC. This likely mirrors the consistency of CANARY assessment with histological characteristics of AC subtypes. Simultaneously, the percentage of intermediate risk and high risk components increased from AIS to MIA and from MIA to IAC.

Risk assessment of ACs manifesting as pure ground glass nodules is essential for choosing a management approach such as CT follow-up interval, time of biopsy, and selection of an appropriate surgical method.

This prediction is important as patients with suspected invasive nodules are more likely to undergo more follow-up examinations, earlier biopsies, and more radical surgical resections.