Besides neoplastic, inflammatory, and infectious processes, many other disease processes may occasionally result in mesenteric lymphadenopathy. It is the final common pathway of the lymphatic system as it joins the central venous system. Lymph nodes are part of the body’s lymphatic system, which helps maintain fluid balance in the bloodstream, filters waste, and plays an important role in immune defense. ![]() The distribution of the lymph nodes may indicate the exact nature of the underlying disease process, and the correct treatment may then be instituted. The supraclavicular lymph nodes (often shortened to the supraclavicular nodes) are a paired group of lymph nodes located on each side in the hollow superior to the clavicle, close to the sternoclavicular joint. Small, 'shotty' nodes, named because they feel like lead pellets (shot), are common and. In addition, mesenteric lymphadenopathy may be the only indicator of an underlying inflammatory or infectious process causing abdominal pain. Submandibular lymphadenopathy refers to enlarged lymph nodes located beneath the mandible (lower jaw). It is important to recognize mesenteric lymphadenopathy in patients with a history of a primary carcinoma because the lymphadenopathy affects the staging of the disease, which in turn will affect further management. Many of these causes may also result in lymphadenopathy elsewhere in the body. The most common causes of mesenteric lymphadenopathy are neoplastic, inflammatory, and infectious processes. Although the detected lymph nodes may be normal, there is a large number of disease processes that may lead to mesenteric lymphadenopathy. The lymph node's primary function is to filter for harmful substances as lymphatic fluids travel through. ![]() Because of the increasing volume of cross-sectional imaging examinations being performed, lymph nodes in the mesentery are being detected with increasing frequency. The inguinal lymph node can be subdivided into the superficial and deep lymph nodes and collectively drains the anal canal (below the pectinate line), the skin below the umbilicus, lower extremity, scrotum, vulva, glans penis, and clitoris. For the first time, normal mesenteric nodes may be reliably identified noninvasively. With the advent of multidetector computed tomography, routine evaluation of mesenteric lymph nodes is now possible.
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