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Lymph nodes in hidradenitis suppurativa
Ximena Wortsman1, Jean Revuz, Gregor B E Jemec
1Radiology Department, Hospital del Profesor and Clínica Servet, Santiago de Chile, Chile.
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) involves inflammation, but lymph nodes are rarely felt. Ultrasound revealed enlarged lymph nodes only in late-stage HS, suggesting secondary infection rather than a primary cause.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory skin condition.
- Palpable lymphadenopathy is uncommon in HS patients, potentially due to disease obscuring nodes or lack of swelling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate regional lymph node characteristics in HS patients using ultrasound.
- To compare lymph node size and number between HS patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution ultrasound was employed to scan axillary and inguinal lymph nodes in HS patients and controls.
- Lymph node morphology, number, and diameter were assessed.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in lymph node number or overall mean diameter was observed between HS patients and controls.
- Significantly increased mean lymph node diameter was found in Hurley stage III HS patients (1.3 ± 0.4 cm, p=0.03).
Conclusions:
- Lymph node enlargement in HS appears to be associated with advanced disease stages (Hurley stage III).
- This finding suggests lymph node involvement may indicate secondary infection rather than a primary etiological factor in HS.
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