Pediatric Lymphadenopathy

  • Etiology: Due to viral or bacterial illness
  • Imaging US:
    — Benign reactive lymph nodes have a centrally located echogenic hilum
    — Lack of an echogenic hilum makes the lymph node concerning in appearance for malignancy
  • DDX:
  • Complications: A conglomeration of infected lymph nodes can evolve into an abscess
  • Treatment: Antibiotics to treat underlying cause of lymphadenopathy
  • Clinical:
    — Cervical lymphadenitis is relatively common in children
    — Usually presents as a palpable mass

Radiology Cases of Lymphadenopathy

Radiology Cases of Reactive Lymphadenopathy

US of benign reactive lymphadeopathy
Transverse US of the neck shows two enlarged lymph nodes, each of which has a central echogenic hilum.