CONTRAST ENHANCED SONOGRAPHY IN CHARACTERIZATION OF ENLARGED LYMPH NODES OF THE NECK IN CHILDREN

Purpose: Purpose. We compare contrast-enhanced ultrasonography to conventional US in charakterization of benign and malignant enlarged lymph nodes of the neck in children. Methods and Materials: Ninety-seven enlarged superficial lymph nodes in 46 children (21 girls and 25 boys; age range, 1–16 years) were evaluated using Color Doppler (CD), Power Doppler before and after contrast agent (Levovist) administration (CEUS). The patterns of intranodal flow were identified: hilar vessels with branching running at the long axis of the lymph node with branches to the cortex, indicated lymphadenitis (sensitivity 94%, spec…