Analysis by high resolution ultrasound of superficial lymph nodes: anatomical, morphological and structural variations.

Purpose: To analyze morphostructural variations of benign lymph nodes, 49 cervical , 49 axillary and 49 inguinal lymph nodes had been studied in many healthy subjects.

Methods: Longitudinal and transverse diameters, longitudinal to transverse axis ratio, hilum and cortex thickness, hilar to cortical thickness ratio, presence and echogenicity of hilum, and presence of cortical focal thickening had been evaluated.

Results: Some parameters were statistically significant such as for the presence of hilum that was identified in 100% of axillary and inguinal lymph nodes.

Conclusions: Morphostructural differences must be considered in order to avoid the possible misinterpretation between the physiologic and pathologic LN.