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Paratracheal lymph nodes: a new sonographic finding in autoimmune thyroiditis
Xavier Serres-Créixams1, Ignasi Castells-Fusté, Xavier Pruna-Comella
1Service of Diagnostic Radiology, Hospital de la Vall d'Hebron, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Journal of Clinical Ultrasound : JCU
|July 16, 2008
Summary
Paratracheal lymph nodes (PLNs) are frequently detected by ultrasound in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (AT). This finding aids in diagnosing AT, highlighting the importance of evaluating the paratracheal region during thyroid sonography.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) is a common endocrine disorder.
- Sonographic evaluation of the thyroid gland is crucial for diagnosis.
- Paratracheal lymph nodes (PLNs) have not been extensively studied in AT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical significance of paratracheal lymph nodes (PLNs) as a sonographic marker for autoimmune thyroiditis (AT).
- To determine the sensitivity and specificity of PLNs in diagnosing AT.
Main Methods:
- Sonographic examinations of the thyroid were performed on 309 patients.
- Patients were categorized into an AT group (n=199) with positive antimicrosomal antibodies (AMAs) and a control group (n=110).
- A single radiologist assessed sonographic findings, including PLNs, and serological tests for AMAs were conducted.
Main Results:
- Paratracheal lymph nodes (PLNs) were observed in 93.4% of AT patients versus 74.5% of controls (P < 0.001).
- PLNs were significantly more numerous (4.7 vs. 2.8, P < 0.001) and larger (10.7 mm vs. 8.2 mm, P < 0.001) in the AT group.
- Sonographic detection of PLNs demonstrated high sensitivity for AT diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Paratracheal lymph nodes (PLNs) are a common sonographic finding in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (AT).
- The presence and characteristics of PLNs can aid in the sonographic diagnosis of AT.
- Radiologists should routinely include the paratracheal region in thyroid sonographic evaluations.
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