Perihepatic lymphadenopathy in chronic hepatitis C: A complementary diagnostic element?

Background and Aims: The authors searched for perihepatic lymph nodes durin g ultrasonography performed for other symptoms in 1222 Sicilian outpatients in order to assess the incidence and possible significance of the associat ion of perihepatic lymph nodes and chronic hepatitis C. Method: One or two lymph nodes were observed in 184/1222 patients, and 142 of these 184 were anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive. Results: Our results confirmed a very high incidence of perihepatic lymphad enopathy during chronic hepatitis. The concomitant presence of HCV virus an d perihepatic lymph nodes may confirm the marked lymphotropism of this viru s. Conclusion: As anti-HCV positivity is frequent in asymptomatic subjects wit h normal alanine aminotransferase concentrations, the authors believe that searching for sentinel perihepatic lymph nodes during abdominal ultrasonogr aphy could be recommended in routine diagnostic screening for HCV infection . Any perihepatic lymph nodes detected by this method could pinpoint subjec ts for whom more specific examinations are required, especially in areas wh ere the virus is particularly endemic. (C) 2000 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd.