Ultrasonographic differentiation between tuberculous lymphadenitis and malignant lymph nodes

Objective. To assess the usefulness of ultrasonography in the differential diagnosis of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis versus malignant lymph node s. Methods. Ultrasonography of cervical lymph nodes was performed with a re al-time linear scanner using a 7.5- or 11-MHz probe or both. Ultrasonograph ic findings were retrospectively reviewed in 73 patients: 49 with malignant lymphoma, 15 with tuberculous lymphadenitis, and 9 with metastatic lymph n odes. Results. Ultrasonographic features specific to cervical tuberculous l ymphadenitis were strong echoes (33.3%) and an echogenic thin layer (86.7%) . When the lymph nodes had at least 1 of these 2 features, tuberculous lymp hadenitis was diagnosed with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 100 %. Conclusions. Ultrasonographic evaluation of cervical lymph nodes can be useful in the diagnosis of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis.