[Intrapulmonary lymph node detected as a small coin lesion: a case report and a review of the Japanese literature].
Intrapulmonary lymph node (IPLN) is commonly identified to the level of fourth-order bronchi and is seldom recognized on a plain chest roentgenogram. We experienced a case of intrapulmonary lymph node, and presented a review of the Japanese literature. A 52-year-old female without a smoking history was discovered to have a coin lesion in a mass screening chest roentgenogram. A Chest CT scan showed a small peripheral nodule in segment 9 of the left lung. Malignancy could not be ruled out and an exploratory thoracotomy was performed, and the definite diagnosis was IPLN. We have encountered more frequent detection of small peripheral pulmonary nodules because of increasing availability of chest CT scans. Although reports of IPLN are rare, it should be considered as one of differential diagnoses for benign or malignant pulmonary nodules.
Kamiyoshihara
M
M
Department of Surgery, National Sanatorium Nishi-Gunma Hospital, Japan.
Kawashima
O
O
Sakata
S
S
Ishikawa
S
S
Morishita
Y
Y
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013510:Pulmonary Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography; D003074:Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*