J Korean Radiol Soc.  1992 Dec;28(6):817-822.

CT findings of cervical lymphadenopathy: morphological analysis

• Ok CS
• Park CS
• Lee SH
• Suh CH
• Ahn BY
• Chung WK

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of computed tomography for the differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy, we reviewed CT scans of 26 patients with cervical lymphadenopathy retrospectively. These included 10 patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis, 11 patients with metastasis and 5 patients with lymphoma, We evaluated the CT scans with a special attention to internal nodal density, feature of contrast enhancement and location of lymphadenopathy. Tuberculous lymphadenitis involved multiple nodes unilaterally and showed central low density with even or uneven rim enhancement, usually occurring in young patients (mean: 31.6 years). Two cases with tuberculous lymphadenitis showed calcifications within the lymph nodes. Lymphoma involved unilateral or bilateral nodes and appeared as conglomerated isodense mass with even rim enhancement. Metastasis involved multiple nodes unilaterally and showed focal, diffuse of mixed pattern of central low density with variable rim enhancement, usually occurring in old patients (mean: 59.4 years). Locations of most frequent lymph node involvements were internal jugular group (76%), spinal accessory group (54%) and retropharyngeal group(12%).

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Lymph Nodes
Lymphatic Diseases*
Lymphoma
Neoplasm Metastasis
Retrospective Studies
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Tuberculosis, Lymph Node