Lymph node ultrasound in lymphoproliferative disorders: clinical characteristics and applications.
Authors
Affiliations (5)
Affiliations (5)
- SCDU of Hematology, AOU SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy.
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy.
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University Hospital, Napoli, Italy.
- Hepatology Unit, Internal Medicine, Area Stabiese Hospital, Naples, Italy.
- SC of Hematology, AO Santa Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy.
Abstract
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. 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. 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. 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.