관류전산화단층촬영을 이용한 두경부 림프절병의 감별진단

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the CT perfusion parameters for differentiating between a benign and malignant lymphadenopathy in the neck spaces. Materials and Methods: Seventeen patients with cervical lymphadenopathy underwent perfusion CT. Perfusion parameters, including blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), permeability index (PI), and mean transit time, were calculated at the regions of interest in the enlarged lymph nodes (LNs). The enlarged LNs were diagnosed by fine needle aspiration, surgical excision, and clinical follow-up. The LNs were classified as either reactive hyperplasia (n = 26), metastatic LNs (n = 11), or LNs of lymphoma (n = 14). Results: Significant differences were found for BF, BV, and PI among the three groups (p < 0.05). Reactive hyperplasia had a significantly higher BF than metastatic LN (p < 0.0167). The LNs of lymphoma had a significantly lower BF, BV, and PI than reactive hyperplasia (p < 0.0167). No significant difference was observed between the metastatic LNs of the head and neck cancer and LNs of lymphoma for all perfusion parameters. Conclusion: In patients with head and neck cancer, perfusion CT is not useful for differentiating between metastatic LNs and inflammatory reactive hyperplasia. However, perfusion CT can be useful for differentiating between LNs of lymphoma and reactive hyperplasia.