Enhanced patterns and morphology of time intensity curve with contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of superficial lymph nodes

Abstract

Objective To evaluate enhanced patterns of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and the morphology of time intensity curve (TIC) of enlarged superficial lymph nodes. Methods In a retrospective study,ultrasonography and CEUS were performed in 131 patients with superficial lymphadenopathy. Characteristics of color Doppler ultrasound,enhanced patterns of CEUS and the morphology of TIC were analyzed. The ultrasound findings were compared with the histology (metastatic lymph nodes,lymphoma,reactive lymph nodes and lymphoid tuberculosis). Results Enhanced patterns of CEUS: Metastatic lymph nodes and lymphoid tuberculosis mostly showed heterogeneous and concentric enhancement with perfusion defects. Reactive lymph nodes mostly showed centrifugal and homogeneous enhancement without perfusion defects. Most lymphoma showed a rapid,homogeneous enhancement and a few with perfusion defects. The differences between metastatic lymph nodes and reactive lymph nodes,metastatic lymph nodes and lymphoma,lymphoid tuberculosis and reactive lymph nodes,lymphoid tuberculosis and lymphoma were markedly significant(P<0.05). Morphology of TIC: metastatic lymph nodes mostly showed a slow descending branch of the curve and the curve was not consistent with the curve of the artery. Lymphoma,reactive lymph nodes and lymphoid tuberculosis mostly showed a steep descending branch of the curve and the curve was consistent with the curve of the artery. There were significant difference between metastatic lymph nodes and reactive lymph nodes,lymphoma,or lymphoid tuberculosis respectively (P<0.05). Conclusions Characteristics of enhanced patterns and the morphology of TIC during CEUS could provide more information for differential diagnosis of enlarged superficial lymph nodes. Key words: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound; Lymph nodes; Diagnosis,differential