[Computed tomography pattern of unchanged mediastinal lymph nodes in children with uninfected Mycobacterium tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVE

To provide X-ray characteristics of mediastinal lymph nodes revealed by computed tomography (CT) in children and adolescents with uninfected Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The basis of the study was the results of CT in 105 children and adolescents with uninfected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. All the children and adolescents from a follow-up group underwent X-ray study using a two-slice spiral Somatom Emotion Duo CT scanner (Siemens). The study used a conventional procedure for chest scanning in children, by applying the Thorax Routine program.

RESULTS

The study ascertained that Groups 1-3 intrathoracic lymph nodes were visualized in 73.3% of the children in normalcy and were not in 22.8%. In children, the normal size of the lymph nodes did not exceed 0.8 cm in diameter; they had a homogeneous structure and clearly defined, even outlines; their perinodular fat was unchanged. CT data showed that the sizes and number of visible groups of lymph nodes were unrelated to age.

CONCLUSION

The upper diameter limit for normal mediastinal lymph nodes may be established to be 8 mm if there were no abnormal changes in the structure of lymph nodes and perinodular fat.