Power Doppler sonography of metastatic nodes from papillary carcinoma of the thyroid

AIMS: Metastatic nodes on power Doppler sonography tend to demonstrate high intranodal resistance and abnormal distribution of vascularity within a no de. However, in our experience metastatic nodes from papillary carcinoma of the thyroid frequently demonstrate low intranodal resistance and some do n ot demonstrate the presence of any abnormal vascularity within. We were the refore interested to document these features, MATERIALS AND METHODS: The grey scale and power Doppler sonograms of 21 met astatic nodes from papillary carcinoma of the thyroid were evaluated. The i ntranodal distribution of vessels and the intranodal vascular resistance of vessels was assessed and compared with the reported features of metastatic nodes from other head and neck primaries. RESULTS: A majority (17/20, 85%) of metastatic nodes from papillary carcino ma of the thyroid had a maximum resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) < 0.8 and 1.6, respectively, A majority of the nodes (16/21, 76%) dem onstrated abnormal capsular vascularity within the nodes. CONCLUSION: Metastatic nodes from papillary carcinoma on power Doppler sono graphy frequently have low RI and PI and 24% demonstrate just prominent hil ar vascularity similar to reactive nodes. <(c)> 2001 The Royal College of R adiologists.