Ultrasonographic appearance of normal superficial cervical and subiliac lymph nodes in cattle

Abstract

The superficial cervical and the subiliac lymph nodes of 18 healthy, non-pregnant Simmental cows with a mean (sd) age of 5-6 (1.6) years were examined ultrasonographically in transverse and longitudinal planes with a real-time B-mode unit equipped with a 7.5 MHz linear-transducer. The position, demarcation and echogenicity of the lymph nodes were examined, and the craniocaudal and lateromedial diameters of each lymph node were measured three times within a period of six weeks. The pole to pole length of the lymph nodes was determined with a tape measure on the surface of the skin because the whole length could not be imaged in a single scan field. The gross anatomical and histological results showed that the lymph nodes were normal. Ultrasonographically, they were well demarcated from the adjoining muscular and subcutaneous tissue. Their internal structure was characterised by an anechoic to hypoechoic cortical zone corresponding to the lymphoid tissue, and an echogenic medullary zone, where the lymphatic sinuses converge towards the hilus and produce numerous acoustic interfaces. In all the lymph nodes, the hilar area had an echoic to hyperechoic appearance. The mean (sd) pole to pole length of the superficial cervical lymph nodes was 15.5 (3.2) cm and of the subiliac lymph nodes 13.5 (2.4) cm. The mean craniocaudal and lateromedial diameters of the superficial cervical lymph nodes were 2.8 (0.3) cm and 1.6 (0.3) cm, and those of the subiliac lymph nodes were 2.4 (0.4) cm and 1.1 (0.3) cm. The ultrasonographic morphology of these normal lymph nodes was consistent and provides basic reference data for the investigation of lymphadenopathies in cattle.

Ultrasonographic appearance of the superficial supramammary lymph nodes in lactating dairy cattle

“…The supramammary lymph nodes were located superficially, and in most of the cows they were relatively well demarcated ultrasonographically from the surrounding fat and udder tissue. The appearance of the ‘normal’ lymph node was consistent with that described for other lymph nodes in cattle (Kofler and others 1998) and for lymph nodes in other species including human beings (Bruneton and others 1994), with an echogenic capsule, a hypoechoic cortical area and a hyper‐echoic inner medulla/hilar area.…”

“…No descriptions of the ultrasonographic appearance of the superficial supramammary lymph nodes of cows have been published. The normal superficial cervical and subiliac nodes of Simmental cattle have been described by Kofler and others (1998) and were relatively consistent in size between cows, and between sides in each cow. The supramammary lymph nodes of lactating dairy cattle would be expected to encounter a relatively heavy antigenic challenge, and may therefore vary in size and/or architecture depending on the infection status of the udder.…”

“…ULTRASONOGRAPHY is used routinely to image lymph nodes in human beings (Prayer and others 1990, Grimm and others 1992, Bruneton and others 1994), and it has been applied to small animals (Wisner and others 1991, Spaulding 1997) and cattle (Braun and others 1994, Kofler and others 1998). Lymph nodes have a uniform anatomical structure, and their ultrasonographic appearance is relatively consistent between species.…”

Is udder ultrasonography a diagnostic tool for subclinical mastitis in sheep?

“…The sonographic examination of the superficial inguinal lymph nodes was performed after placing the probe on the area dorsal and lateral to the caudal aspect of udder halves. The lymph node was identified as it had well demarcated echogenic capsule with an echogenic linear structure running longitudinal through the center of the node (Kofler et al, 1998). The length, the depth and the area of the node was measured as reported elsewhere (Bradley et al, 2001).…”

Cutaneous, Multilocular T‐cell Lymphosarcoma in a Horse— Clinical, Ultrasonographic and Pathological Findings

“…A normal lymph node shows the characteristic appearance with an echogenic medullar and hilus zone and an anechoic cortical zone (VASSALLO et al, 1993;KOFLER et at., 1997). In this case the enlarged, left superficial cervical lymph node had a mainly uniform echodensity.…”