Superior diaphragmatic lymph nodes: CT assessment.

The normal CT appearance of the superior diaphragmatic (also called cardiophrenic angle or pericardial) lymph node group was assessed in 39 adult patients who were free of diseases known to involve lymph nodes. In 15 patients there were 27 ovoid opacities, corresponding to known lymph node sites, namely in the anterior portion of the diaphragm; all except one opacity measured less than 5 mm in diameter. Superior diaphragmatic lymph nodes greater than or equal to 6 mm in diameter were observed in 30 of 190 patients with diseases known to be associated with lymphadenopathy. All but one of these patients had a pathologically proven malignant neoplasm, with bronchogenic carcinoma the most common etiology.