What does the fatty hilus of a normal lymph node indicate?

What does the fatty hilus of a normal lymph node indicate?

• A. Echogenic fatty hilus
• B. Absent hilum
• C. Thick cortex
• D. Mass

Answer: (A)

The fatty hilus being echogenic indicates a normal lymph node. That central fat-containing area represents preserved nodal architecture where vessels enter, which is typical of a benign, non-involved node. In abnormal nodes, the hilum may be absent or the cortex thickened or irregular, and a mass can appear—features that raise concern for metastasis. So seeing an echogenic fatty hilus best signifies a normal node.

The fatty hilus being echogenic indicates a normal lymph node. That central fat-containing area represents preserved nodal architecture where vessels enter, which is typical of a benign, non-involved node. In abnormal nodes, the hilum may be absent or the cortex thickened or irregular, and a mass can appear—features that raise concern for metastasis. So seeing an echogenic fatty hilus best signifies a normal node.