[Influence of external and endogenous factors on cervical lymph nodes : Sonographic study of size and morphology]

Sonographic evaluation of the dignity of cervical lymph nodes is essential for further diagnostics and treatment concepts in various diseases. The aim of this prospective monocenter study was to determine the sonomorphology and size of benign changes of lymph nodes in healthy subjects and patients who had undergone surgery, in order to examine the influence of various factors.

Data from 205 healthy subjects and 15 patients before and after surgery were analyzed. Sonographically representative lymph nodes were measured in diameter and volumes were calculated; margins, the recognizability of a hilus, and vascularization were documented. A detailed medical history was taken using a standardized questionnaire.

In 20-39-year-olds, lymph node diameters were larger than in 40-59- and over 60-year-olds, and in 40-59-year-olds, the lymph nodes were larger than over 60-year-old subjects. Individuals with consumption of less than 10 and 10-20 cigarettes per day showed larger cervical lymph nodes compared to subjects with a consumption of more than 20 cigarettes per day. Smokers who additionally exercised routinely showed larger lymph nodes than those who never smoked or exercised. In addition, we observed that both the size and the number of cervical lymph nodes increased postoperatively compared to preoperative.

The recorded lymph nodes corresponded to the established sonographic criteria of benign lymph nodes. Our results show that age, smoking intensity, combination of smoking with sporting activity, and surgery influence the size of sonographically measured cervical lymph nodes.