Contrast Enhancement of Pathologic Lymph Nodes Demonstrated by Computed Tomography

Abstract

Enlarged mediastinal, retroperitoneal and pelvic lymph nodes are often difficult to differentiate from vascular structures. Contrast medium is therefore used to help to discriminate arteries and veins from lymph nodes. This study was undertaken to investigate the degree to which pathologic lymph nodes become enhanced after an intravenous bolus injection of contrast medium. Computed tomography was performed in 25 patients with enlargement of retroperitoneal lymph nodes due to primary lymphoproliferative disease or metastases. A dynamic sequence of a well delineated lymph node was obtained over a period of two minutes. Contrast enhancement was seen in all lymph nodes, but of varying degree. The enhancement was correlated to that observed in the inferior vena cava. Most examined lymph nodes showed slight or moderate enhancement, but in five instances strong enhancement, more than 75 per cent of that of the vena cava, was found. These nodes could possibly have been misinterpreted as blood vessels.

Enhancement characteristics of lymphomatous lymph nodes of the mediastinum

“…The contrast medium enhancement of LLN of the mediastinum was low or moderate, and the enhancement curves were significantly lower than those of the normal mediastinal lymph nodes. This was in accordance with previous findings in the neck (4, 5) and abdomen (13).…”

Enhancement Characteristics of Retroperitoneal Lymphomatous LYMPH Nodes

“…Contrast medium enhancement of LLN of the retroperitoneum was low or moderate, and the enhancement curves were significantly lower than those of the normal retroperitoneal lymph nodes. This study confirmed previous findings in the neck (14, 15), mediastinum (16), and abdomen (27).…”

Comparison of results of computed tomography and radiography with histopathologic findings in tracheobronchial lymph nodes in dogs with primary lung tumors: 14 cases (1999–2002)

“…Computed tomography of the thorax is commonly used to evaluate the TBLNs for more accurate preoperative staging and surgi- cal planning. [7][8][9][10][11][12] Although CT is widely used in veterinary medicine, the authors believe that its use for the assessment of TBLNs in dogs with primary lung tumors has not been reported. Sensitivities ranging from 25% to 95% and specificities ranging from 46% to 100% have been reported, depending upon the particular study.…”