Table 1 Characterization of morphological features of axillary lymph nodes on SPECT/CT
Nodal CT features (n = 178) | Findings number of hot nodes* |
|---|---|
Size (enlarged) > 15 mm | 11 |
Rounded shape (long axis to short axis ratio of less than 2 (i.e., a rounded node) | 19 |
Irregular-appearing or eccentrically thickened cortex | 4 |
Matted nodes (clumped) | 4 |
Fixed to the surrounding tissues | 1 |
Hilar effacement, (removal of fat) | 11 |
Focal cortical bulge or eccentric cortical thickening (irregular) | 2 |
Gross nodal replacement with tumor | 3 |
Loss of fatty hila | 3 |
Extra nodal spread into adjacent axillary fat | 1 |
Speculations | 1 |
Concentric cortical thickening (defined as > 2 mm) | 4 |
Diffuse cortical thickening (regular) | 8 |
Pleomorphic microcalcifications (different size) | 3 |
Normal Appearing nodes | 138 |