CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGIC CHARACTERISTICS IN PATIENTS WITH ANTHRACOTIC INTRATHORACIC LYMPH NODE

Abstract

TYPE: Late Breaking Abstract TOPIC: Disorders of the Mediastinum PURPOSE: To study incidence, clinical and radiologic characteristics in patients with anthracotic intrathoracic lymph node, and to evaluate for predictors. METHODS: A total of 145 patients with intrathoracic lymphadenopathy (yielding 299 nodes) who underwent EBUS-TBNA at a single institution during 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. They were classified into anthracosis, and control group. Baseline characteristics and comparison of radiographic findings from CT or PET/CT between group were assessed. Univariale and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess for possible predictors of anthracotic LN. RESULTS: Of 145 patients, 55 patients (38%) had anthracotic LN. There was no difference in baseline characteristics between group. On comparison of radiographic findings, the anthracotic LN appeared shorter long-axis diameter (16.57mm. VS 22.92mm.; p<0.001), had ill-defined margin (30.1% VS 15%; p=0.004), and lesser uptake SUV (2.73 VS 7.23; p=0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that predictors for anthracotic LN included age, long-axis diameter, and ill-defined margin appearance (odd ratio 1.04 [1.01-1.06], 0.96 [0.93-0.98], 2.04 [1.1-3.83], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Anthracotic LN is common. Distinguishing between anthracotic LN and other diagnoses from imaging is difficult. Possible predictors for anthracosis included age, long axis diameter, and ill-defined margin appearance. Anthracotic LN also illustrated positive FDG uptake resembling cancer. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Anthracotic lymph node may resemble malignancy, clinicians and radiologist might consider the condition in differential diagnosis. DISCLOSURE: No significant relationships. KEYWORD: Anthracotic lymph node