Computed tomography contrast enhancement of cervical lymphadenopathy

In a prospective study of 51 cases of lymphadenopathy (44 with cervical metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma, NPC) using intravenous contrast and computed tomography (CT), a ring enhancement was observed. A retrospective review of 105 cervical carcinomatous lymph nodes (64 with metastatic NPC) showed a prominent peripheral hypervascular pattern not seen in 48 lymphomas and 60 normal controls. We conclude that in carcinomatous cervical lymphadenopathy, enhancement can be achieved by intravenous contrast and CT; and the peripheral hypervascularity is the anatomical basis for the ring appearances seen radiographically.