Computed tomographic findings of Kawasaki disease with cervical lymphadenopathy.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe CT findings in patients with Kawasaki disease with cervical lymphadenopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with cervical lymphadenopathy were difficult to diagnose at the initial visit and underwent CT for the assessment of lymphadenopathy. Computed tomographic images were assessed for numbers, sizes, locations of enlarged nodes, and other imaging findings. RESULTS: Seventy-two enlarged nodes were identified. The maximum diameter of enlarged nodes ranged from 1.0 to 2.5 cm (mean, 1.5 cm). Lymphadenopathy was unilateral in 8 patients (67%) and located at level IB in 2 patients, II in 50 patients, III in 10 patients, IV in 1 patient, and V in 9 patients. Perinodal infiltration was found in 10 patients (83%), and 3 patients (25%) had focal low attenuation within nodes. Retropharyngeal hypodense area was present in 4 patients (33%), peritonsilar hypodense area in 3 patients (25%), and enlarged tonsils in 4 patients (33%). CONCLUSIONS: Cervical lymphadenopathy in Kawasaki disease usually showed unilateral distribution predominantly at levels II, III, and V with perinodal infiltration occasionally accompanied by retropharyngeal hypodense area, peritonsilar hypodense area, and enlarged tonsils.