Lymph node ultrasound in lymphoproliferative disorders: clinical characteristics and applications
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Rita Tavarozzi
, Anna Lombardi
, Ferdinando Scarano
, Laura Staiano , Gerardo Trattelli , Michela Farro , Alessia Castellino and Carmine Coppola
Abstract
Introduction
Superficial lymph node (LN) enlargement is a common ultrasonographic finding and can be associated with a broad spectrum of conditions, from benign reactive hyperplasia to malignant lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs). LPDs, which include various hematologic malignancies affecting lymphoid tissue, present with diverse immune-morphological and clinical features, making differentiation from other malignant causes of lymphadenopathy challenging.
Content
Radiologic assessment is crucial in characterizing lymphadenopathy, with ultrasonography serving as a noninvasive and widely available imaging modality. High-resolution ultrasound allows the evaluation of key features such as LN size, shape, border definition, echogenicity, and the presence of abnormal cortical thickening, loss of the fatty hilum, or altered vascular patterns, which aid in distinguishing benign from malignant processes.
Summary
This review aims to describe the ultrasonographic characteristics of lymphadenopathy, offering essential diagnostic insights to differentiate malignant disorders, particularly LPDs. We will discuss standard ultrasound techniques, including grayscale imaging and Doppler ultrasound, and explore more advanced methods such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), elastography, and artificial intelligence–assisted imaging, which are gaining prominence in LN evaluation.
Outlook
By highlighting these imaging modalities, we aim to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography in lymphadenopathy assessment and improve early detection of LPDs and other malignant conditions.
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: RT, AL: wrote the manuscript and collected figures. All the authors: approved the manuscript and revised literature.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
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Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.
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Research funding: None declared.
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Data availability: Not applicable.
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- Insight into novel therapeutic targets in heart failure: a comprehensive review
- Efficacy and safety of retatrutide for the treatment of obesity: a systematic review of clinical trials
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