Diagnostic accuracy of sonographic criteria for evaluation of cervical lymphadenopathy

Although ultrasonographic criteria for abnormal nodes are used routinely in the evaluation of cervical lymphadenopathy, the diagnostic accuracy of these criteria in different areas has not been documented. This study evaluated 977 normal cervical nodes from 80 normal subjects and 1419 abnormal cervical nodes from 277 patients with proven cervical lymphadenopathy. The diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy) of size, shape (short axis to long axis ratio), echogenic hilus, and nodal border for regional lymph nodes are evaluated and discussed.