Objectives: To demonstrate the computed tomography findings of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration-proven hilar and mediastinal lymph node anthracosis. Methods: We retrospectively studied the computed tomography (multislice computed tomography, 64 x 0.75 mm slice collimation, tube voltage 120 kV) findings in 49 patients (37 males, 12 females) with endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration-confirmed diagnosis of 89 anthracotic lymph nodes. Results: Overall, 58.4% of the cytologically proven anthracotic lymph nodes showed enlargement with a mean short axis diameter of 11.1 mm (range, 5-23 mm). The majority of the anthracotic lymph nodes were oval (86.5%), 7.9% were round, and 5.6% were polycyclic in shape. Confluence of anthracotic lymph nodes was seen in 28.1% of the lymph nodes, and patchy hyperdensities-like calcifications were observed in only 18.0%; none of the lymph nodes showed necrosis. Conclusion: Lymph node anthracosis often results in enlargement of hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes.
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