Jugulodigastric lymph node size by age on CT in an adult cancer-free population.

Purpose: Evaluate jugulodigastric node size in cancer-free patients.

Methods: Retrospective review of 234 neck CT angiograms was performed. Known neoplasm, inflammation or poor imaging were excluded. Maximal diameter of the largest jugulodigastric node in the axial plane bilaterally was measured.

Results: 172 patients (median age=62) were included. Jugulodigastric node size decreased with age and was statistically significant between those above and below 62years. Patients 20-30years had mean 14.4mm (7.5-20.1mm).

Conclusions: Although 15mm is considered the normal maximum long-axis size of the jugulodigastric node in cancer patients, average size in younger cancer-free patients is commonly above 15mm.