Author(s): Griffin C.; Magilton Griffin L.

Source: Ultrasound; May 2017; vol. 25 (no. 2)

Publication Date: May 2017

Publication Type(s): Conference Abstract

Abstract:The main purpose of this abstract is to help clarify the importance of the role of ultrasound in the assessment of lymph nodes (LNs) throughout the body. The assessment of LNs can be confusing as, depending on the anatomical placement of the nodes in question, the clinical features important in the investigation can vary. This overview aims to show clinical staff the basic features required to fully interrogate and diagnose the LN abnormalities. The assessment of LNs not only helps in the diagnosis of disease, but also will ultimately aid in the patients’ prognosis. The benefits of ultrasound when compared to other imaging methods are the increased spatial resolution of the modality and the ability to allow for ultrasound-guided sampling with either fine needle aspiration (FNA) or core biopsy (CBx). Normal LN anatomy and the sonographic assessment of LNs, including interrogation of size, shape, hilar architecture, cortical thickness, vascularity and echogenicity are explored in this presentation. The LN regions explored in this overview include: head and neck, axillary, para-aortic and inguinal. With these details and example images provided, it is hoped that this will help clinical staff in their understanding of ultrasound appearances for both normal and abnormal LNs. This presentation will be a useful aid for clinicians whilst providing images and text to support the sonographic criteria for differential diagnosis of LN appearances and pathology.

Database: EMBASE

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