Analysis of clinical and radiologic features of intrapulmonary lymph nodes / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analysis the clinical radiologic features of intrapulmonary lymph nodes,and to improve the diagnostic rate of intrapulmonary lymph nodes.Methods From May 2008 to September 2011,16 cases of pulmonary nodules were proved pathologically as intrapulmonary lymph nodes,including 9 males and 7 females,with an average age of 58.2 years (39-73 years).All patients accepted chest X-ray and HR CT scan prior to operation,identified of 11 solitary nodules,3 multiple nodules,and other 2 cases of multiple nodules with synchronous ipsilateral lung cancer.We retrospectively review the data as followsthe population and clinical characters,the subjective imaging diagnosis,the imaging characters of the nodule location,size,texture,shape,border,distance from the nearest pleural surface,and the appearance of the surrounding pulmonary parenchyma et al.Results Clinically,six of all the 16 patients are or were cigarette smokers or had an exposure history of inhaled particles,three patients else were all from a same oilfield area although they denied having the Aforementioned history of smoke or exposure.Lung cancer,metastatic tumor,lung cancer intrapulmonary metastasis were the common subjective imaging diagnosis,with a misdiagnosis rate of 56.3％.Radiologically,these intrapulmonary nodules could be seen in the chest X-ray in half of the 16 patients,with a discovery rate of 50％ in chest X- ray screening.The median size of the intrapulmonary lymph nodes was 7.1 mm (4 - 11 mm),all nodules located below the level of the carina,87.5％ ( 14/16 cases) were solid nodules,68.75％ ( 11/16 cases) were round or ovate in shape with a sharp border.87.5％ ( 14/16 cases) were attached to the pleura or within 1 cm from the nearest pleural surface,87.5％ ( 14/16 cases) appeared linear densities extending from the intrapulmonary lymph nodes.The linear denshy referred to the CT imaging feature that a linear soft-tissue density extended from the intrapulmonary lymph nodes,distinct from the normal lung marking like interlobular septa and bronchovascular bundles,with a diameter less than 5 mm; spiculation were detected in only 2 of the 16 patients ; no calcification and mediestinal lymphadenopathy was detect in all the nodules.Pathologically,All nodules contained anthracotic pigment,and follicular hyperplasia were seen in 8 cases.Conclusion Intrapulmonary lymph nodes are rare benign pulmonary nodules possessing certain clinical and radiologic features.Intrapulmonary lymph nodes should be suspected for small subpleural nodules below the level of the carina.