Lymph node biopsies in a general internal medicine department: algorithm or individualized decision-making?
Acta Clin Belg. 2011 Jul-Aug;66(4):274-9
Authors: Verbrugge FH, Stas M, Knockaert D, Tousseyn T, Vanderschueren S
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Lymphadenopathy (LA) imposes a diagnostic challenge in internal medicine. Exclusion of malignancy is the primary concern.
METHODS: A retrospective case series, including 40 adult patients from the general internal medicine department who underwent lymph node biopsy (LNB) at a single university hospital. Demographics, clinical data and histopathological diagnoses were registered. By means of the latest medical record, we obtained a final diagnosis for each patient and subsequently searched for variables correlated with malignancy. Follow-up was at least one year in 95% of cases.
RESULTS: The prevalence of malignancy was 58%. Older age (p = 0.02) was significantly correlated with malignancy. The presence of painful lymphadenopathy at clinical examination (p = 0.02) was significantly associated with a benign outcome. No single or combination of baseline variables satisfactorily excluded malignancy. Histopathological analysis correctly predicted malignancy in 93% of cases. In two cases, an initial diagnosis of benign non-specific lymphadenopathy was reversed to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In one case the pathological diagnosis was inconclusive.
CONCLUSION: Rather than following a universal algorithm to determine the need for LNB in patients with LA, we call for individualized decision-making in each case, carefully appreciating all available information. Additionally, one should keep in mind that false-negative results occur due to sampling errors. Therefore, a minimal number of cases should end with a final diagnosis of benign non-specific lymphadenopathy. Intensive, multidisciplinary cooperation with surgeon and pathologist is needed. Moreover, clinical follow-up should be at least one year.
PMID: 21938982 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]