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Ultrasound examination of lymph nodes in the hepatoduodenal ligament
K Lyttkens1, L Forsberg, E Hederström
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Insights
Enlarged lymph nodes in the hepato-duodenal ligament (HDL) on ultrasound can indicate various conditions, including benign liver disease, malignancy, and gallbladder issues. In 40% of cases, these nodes were the sole ultrasound finding, often associated with benign conditions.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Lymph nodes in the hepato-duodenal ligament (HDL) are frequently observed during abdominal ultrasound.
- The diagnostic significance of these nodes requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spectrum of diseases associated with lymph nodes in the HDL.
- To determine the frequency of HDL lymphadenopathy as an isolated finding on ultrasound.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 90 patients with identified HDL lymph nodes on ultrasound.
- Classification of patients into four etiological groups: benign liver disease, malignant disease, gallbladder/biliary tree disease, and other inflammatory conditions.
Main Results:
- Patients were categorized into benign liver disease (31), malignant disease (26), gallbladder/biliary tree disease (14), and other inflammatory diseases (19).
- In 40% of patients (36/90), HDL lymph nodes were the only sonographic abnormality.
- The majority of isolated HDL lymphadenopathy cases were associated with benign conditions.
Conclusions:
- Hepato-duodenal ligament lymph nodes on ultrasound are indicative of a diverse range of pathologies.
- Isolated HDL lymphadenopathy on ultrasound is common and frequently associated with benign etiologies, warranting careful clinical correlation.
Abstract:
Ninety patients, found to have lymph nodes in the hepato-duodenal ligament (HDL) on ultrasound examination were reviewed over a one-year period in order to define the diseases in which such nodes can be found. The patients were divided into four main groups: benign liver disease (n = 31), malignant disease (n = 26), disease of the gallbladder or the biliary tree (n = 14) and a group with various benign, most inflammatory diseases (n = 19). In 40% of the patients (36/90), the lymph nodes in the HDL were the only sign of disease on ultrasound examination, and the majority of those were in the benign group.