J Korean Radiol Soc.  1994 Aug;31(2):191-196.

CT Findings of Cervical Lymphadenopathy: Differential Diagnosis

• Kim HS
• Wee JW
• Kirn DO
• So HS
• Rhee HS

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the characteristics of CT findings in differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We evaluated CT findings of histopathologically proved 32 cases of tuberculous lymphadenitis, 12 cases of nodal lymphoma, 29 cases of metastasis from March 1986 to Dec. 1992, retrospectively. We analyzed age and sex distribution, location of lymphadenopathy, internal nodal density, feature of contrast enhancement, extracapsular spread and nodal calcification.
RESULTS
Tuberculous lymphadenitis was more preponderant in young female (mean;32) and CT showed internal low density(91%) with irregular thick marginal enhancement(46.9%), predilection for spinal accessory node(71.9%), and nodal calcification(5/32). Nodal lymphoma showed predilection for internal jugular chain (100%) and had conglomerated homogeneous internal node structures(83%). Metastasis showed old male preponderance (mean :52 years), predilected at internal jugular chain(89.7%),internal low density(93.3%) with regular thin marginal enhancement(44.8%), extracapsular spread(41.4%), and nodal calcification(2 cases of nodal metastasis of papillary type thyroid cancer).
CONCLUSION
We concluded that CT evaluation of the chracteristics of lymphadenopathy is helpful for differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy.

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis, Differential*
Female
Humans
Lymphatic Diseases*
Lymphoma
Male
Neoplasm Metastasis
Retrospective Studies
Sex Distribution
Thyroid Gland
Tuberculosis, Lymph Node