The linear echogenic hilus in cervical lymphadenopathy--a sign of benignity or malignancy?
The linear echogenic hilus seen within lymph nodes on ultrasound examination has been proposed as a sign of benignity. The echogenic line is thought to represent the converging sinuses within the medulla of the lymph node. Forty-six cases with a linear echogenic hilus within a cervical lymph node are presented, where a cytological or histological diagnosis was obtained. In 27 cases (58.7%) the diagnosis was malignancy, in seven cases (15.2%) tuberculosis and the remaining 12 cases (26%) were benign. In our experience the linear echogenic hilus should not be regarded as a sole criterion for benignity. A cytological diagnosis, preferably by an ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration, should always be sought.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Organ Imaging, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin.
R M
RM
Evans
A
A
Ahuja
C
C
Metreweli
D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D009333:Neck; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014388:Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography