Imaging of lymphatic drainage from the chest and regional lymph nodes in lymphadenopathies of various etiologies

Abstract

Introduction and aim. Chest lymphadenopathy is unspecific syndrome found in various diseases. The aim of the study was to give an overview of chest lymph outflow pathways and methods of chest lymphadenopathy imaging. Methods. 60 literature sources were analyzed: 28 in Russian and 32 in international journals. Various radiological methods of chest lymphadenopathy were analyzed as well. Results. A definition of lymphadenopathy, brief description of the chest lymphatic drainage pathways anatomy and modern classification of thoracic lymph nodes are provided in this article. Modern imaging methods of lymphatic drainage and thoracic lymph nodes in lymphadenopathy syndrome are presented: the traditional x-ray techniques, ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, SPECT, PET/CT. Conclusion. A problem of chest lymph outflow pathway studying and a problem of chest lymphadenopathy is significant and awaits further investigation. Optimal methods of chest lymphadenopathy imaging are anatomical (CT, US) and functional (SPECT, PET/CT).