High attenuation lymphadenopathy

Last revised by Joshua Yap on 24 Apr 2023

High attenuation lymphadenopathy or adenopathy variably refers to abnormal lymph nodes with attenuation on CT usually higher compared to muscle, either on a noncontrast exam or following contrast administration (i.e. hyperenhancement) 5.

Differential diagnosis

High attenuation nodes may be due to calcifications or other inorganic material:

Hypervascular metastatic and lymphoproliferative disorders can cause high attenuation lymphadenopathy due to intranodal hemorrhage (on unenhanced CT) or hyperenhancement (on contrast-enhanced CT):

Rarely, high attenuation lymphadenopathy has been described due to keratinization of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck 9,10.

See also

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