Abdominal lymphadenopathy in intravenous drug addicts: sonographic features and clinical significance

The sonographic features of abdominal lymphadenopathy in 35 patients with history of intravenous drug addiction were analyzed to assess their clinical significance. Of the 28 proven cases, 15 were due to reactive hyperplasia, 10 to infections, and three to neoplasms. Sonography was helpful in assessing the pathologic nature of these nodes. Most nodes attributable to reactive hyperplasia were small (less than or equal to 1.5 cm diam) and showed a characteristic distribution in the porta hepatis, celiac axis, and peripancreatic regions. Hypoechoic nodes were always pathologic, due either to tuberculosis or to neoplasm. Nodes larger than 1.5 cm in diameter and primarily involving the lower retroperitoneum, splenic hilum, and mesentery are highly suspicious for pathologic nodes, and appropriate biopsies are indicated for diagnosis.