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Mesenteric lymph nodes in children: what is normal?

Boaz Karmazyn1, Elizabeth A Werner, Babak Rejaie

  • 1Department of Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.

Pediatric Radiology
|May 11, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) are common in children undergoing CT scans for other conditions. A short-axis diameter of 5-10 mm is often a non-specific finding, with 8 mm potentially representing the upper limit of normal.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Abdominal Imaging
  • Lymphatic System Anatomy

Background:

  • Mesenteric lymphadenopathy (MLN) is often diagnosed in children with abdominal pain.
  • Enlarged MLN are frequently observed on abdominal CT scans.
  • The diagnostic criteria for MLN in children require further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of enlarged MLN (short axis ≥ 5 mm) in children with a low probability of mesenteric lymphadenopathy.
  • To evaluate the significance of enlarged MLN detected by abdominal CT in pediatric patients.
  • To establish reference ranges for normal mesenteric lymph node size in children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of non-contrast abdominal CT scans in 61 children.
  • Patients were selected for evaluation of suspected or known renal stones.
  • Two radiologists independently assessed MLN size (short-axis diameter) and location.

Main Results:

  • Enlarged MLN were detected in 54% of the children studied.
  • The majority of enlarged MLN were located in the right lower quadrant (RLQ).
  • A short-axis diameter of 5-10 mm was common, with 8 mm suggested as a potential upper limit of normal.

Conclusions:

  • Enlarged MLN (5-10 mm short-axis diameter) are a non-specific finding in children with low suspicion for lymphadenopathy.
  • A short-axis diameter of 8 mm may serve as a more refined upper limit for normal MLN size in pediatric patients.
  • Radiologists should consider these findings when interpreting abdominal CT scans in children.
Abstract

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