ULTRASOUND DEMONSTRATION OF LYMPH-NODES IN THE HEPATODUODENAL LIGAMENT (DAISY-CHAIN-NODES) IN NORMAL SUBJECTS

We describe the ultrasound appearances of lymph nodes in the hepatoduo denal ligament ('Daisy Chain Nodes') in normal subjects. Nodes were id entified in 69 of 116 patients referred for abdominal ultrasound, who had no underlying reason for lymphadenopathy. Patients with primary ma lignancy or inflammatory pathologies were excluded from the sample. In 26 patients, the hepatoduodenal ligament (HDL) was not visualized. Th erefore Daisy Chain nodes were visualized in 77% of patients where the HDL was visualized, Nodes were seen more frequently in younger patien ts; this was attributed to more homogeneous hyperechoic perinodal fat in the younger age group and the larger size of nodes in young patient s. Study of normal lymph nodes will help to determine criteria for the appearances of pathological nodes in the abdomen.