CT manifestations of lymph node metastasis of thyroid carcinoma
- VernacularTitle:甲状腺癌淋巴结转移的CT表现
- Author:
Dehong LUO
;
Mulan SHI
;
Fu LI
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Thyroid neoplasms;
Lymph node metastasis;
Tomography, X-ray computed
- From:
Chinese Journal of Radiology
2001;0(01):-
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To study the CT manifestations of metastatic lymph node of thyroid carcinoma. Methods CT appearances of metastatic lymph node of thyroid carcinoma proved by surgery and pathology in 108 patients were reviewed. Results Of these 108 cases, metastatic lymph nodes were located at superoir and middle internal jugular chain(n=76), inferior internal jugular chain and super clavicular region(n=86), tracheoesophageal groove(n=52), and superior mediastinum(n=17). Of 84 thyroid papillary carcinoma patients, the attenuation of metastatic lymph nodes were similar to that of normal thyroid gland(n=16), with cystic formations (n=24), intracystic high attenuation papillary-like nodules (n=18), and fine granular calcifications (n=11). Of 24 follicular carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, and clear cell carcinoma patients, 17 cases had significant homogeneous or heterogeneous enhanced nodes, and the attenuation was the same as primary or recurrent thyroid tumors. Conclusion For thyroid carcinoma, the most common locations of metastatic lymph nodes were internal jugular chain, tracheoesophageal groove, and superior mediastinum regions. Marked enhancement similar to normal thyroid gland, cystic formations with intracystic high attenuation papillary-like nodules, and fine discrete granular calcifications were the characteristic manifestations of metastatic lymph node of papillary carcinoma. Marked homogeneous or heterogeneous enhancement after contrast administration and the same attenuation as the primary or recurrent thyroid tumor were found in follicular carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, and clear cell carcinoma metastases.
