intrapulmonary lymph nodes

Intrapulmonary lymph nodes, or pulmonary lymph nodes, are normal lymph nodes found within the lung parenchyma itself. They are commonly found during the assessment of CTs of the chest and are, sometimes, difficult to distinguish from pulmonary nodules.

The pulmonary lymph nodes are divided into subtypes accordingly to their location:

  • perifissural lymph nodes 
  • peribronchial lymph nodes
    • at the bifurcation of the bronchi, before the fourth branch
  • intraparenchymal lymph nodes

Radiographic features

CT
  • around 6 mm in size (usually reported range around 3-8.5 mm)
  • most tend to be below the carinal level (i.e. lower lobes and middle lobe )
  • nodules may be oval, round, triangular, or trapezoidal
  • may have sharply defined borders
  • tend to be solid and homogeneous and without calcification
  • some nodules may show a discrete thin tag extending to the pleura
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