ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the clinical value of Color Doppler Ultrasound in diagnosis of lymph node diseases. Methods We observed the ultrasound features of the 93 cases of swelled lymph nodes with Color Doppler ultrasound. The ultrasound features included pseudokidney sign, assessment on blood flow distribution, the Doppler resistive Index (RI), maximal flow rate (Vmax),the longitudinal axis compared to the diameter of a node (L/D ratio) . Results Out of 93 cases of clinically confirmed swelled lymph nodes,the concordance rate of Color Doppler Ultrasound was 86%and 88%in diagnosis of malignant lymph node disease and benign lymph node disease, respectively. 4 cases of lymph tuberculosis were misdiagnosed as lymphoma due to the similar ultrasound characteristics found in malignant lymph group,the rate of misdiagnosis was 8%. In the cases of proliferative lymph node diseases with Pseudokidney sign, 93% of the blood flow distribution was classified as grade 0-I. 90% of lymphadenitis were found with Pseudokidney sign,and 95%of those cases with blood flow distribution was classified as grade II-III. Malignant lymph diseases had no Pseudokidney sign, and 86%of blood flow distribution grade was as III. There was statistically significant difference in the L/D ratio and RI between benign lymph group and malignant lymph group (P<0.01) . There was statistically significant difference in Vmax between lymphoproliferative group and other groups (P<0.01) . Conclusions Pathological characteristics on different lymph node disease determin the ultrasound characteristics. Combined clinical data based on Pseudokidney sign, Blood Flow Distribution, RI value,Vmax value and L/D ratio can enhance the accuracy of various lymph node disease diagnosis.