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A practical approach to ultrasound of cervical lymph nodes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

A. Ahuja ,
M. Ying ,
W. King  and
C. Metreweli
A. Ahuja*
Affiliation:
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong.
M. Ying
Affiliation:
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong.
W. King
Affiliation:
Department of Organ Imaging and Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong.
C. Metreweli
Affiliation:
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong.
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Anil T. Ahuja, Dept of Diagnostic Radiology and Organ Imaging, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong. Fax: (852) 636 0012
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Abstract

Although the role of high resolution ultrasound (US) in evaluating cervical nodes is well established, it is often combined with fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). As a result, US appearances that help in distinguishing the various causes of cervical adenopathy are often overlooked and not emphasized. The aim of this study is to re-emphasize to the sonologist the US clues that may help in differentiating the aetiology of abnormal cervical nodes.

We, therefore, present the spectrum of US appearances of lymph nodes. One hundred and forty patients (702 abnormal nodes) with known pathology were compared with 100 normal subjects (1211 nodes).

After identifying an abnormal node, US features that further help in distinguishing between the various pathologies are the distribution of lymphadenopathy, echogenicity, calcification, distal enhancement, intranodal cystic necrosis, matting and soft tissue oedema.

Keywords

UltrasonographyLymph nodes
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 111 , Issue 3 , March 1997 , pp. 245 - 256
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1997

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