Avaliação semiológica e diagnóstico em pequenos animais - Aula 16.2

Summary

In this lesson, the focus is on the semiological evaluation and diagnosis of small animal lymph nodes. The instructor discusses the importance of examining the size, shape, and echogenicity of lymph nodes during ultrasound, and highlights how these features can indicate potential pathologies, such as reactive hyperplasia, infections, or neoplasms. Special attention is given to interpreting the presence of mineralization, neovascularization, and the differences in techniques used for obtaining cytological samples from deep or superficial lymph nodes. Ultimately, the course emphasizes the need for thorough evaluation and proper diagnostic techniques to ensure accurate results.

Takeaways

• 😀 Linfonodes are crucial in veterinary diagnostics and their evaluation can reveal various pathological conditions.
• 😀 Reactive hyperplasia of linfonodes is a common response to inflammatory or infectious conditions, like leishmaniasis.
• 😀 Lymphadenomegaly, or enlarged lymph nodes, can indicate a pathological process and is visible through ultrasonography.
• 😀 Changes in the morphology of the linfonode, such as increased size, irregular contours, and thickened walls, can suggest a pathological process.
• 😀 The increased echogenicity of a linfonode can indicate inflammation, infection, or even malignancy.
• 😀 Neoplastic causes of hyperplasia can be primary or metastatic, necessitating a full investigation of all regional lymph nodes.
• 😀 The presence of a hyperechoic peripheral fat layer around a linfonode may indicate a possible malignant neoplasia.
• 😀 Lymph node evaluation should include assessing the size, shape, and echogenicity to form a differential diagnosis.
• 😀 Neoplastic changes in linfonodes often result in irregular borders, heterogeneous texture, and increased peripheral neovascularization.
• 😀 Biopsy or fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is essential for confirming a diagnosis of neoplasia or chronic conditions, and choosing the correct technique depends on the linfonode's location and characteristics.

Q & A

What is the main topic of this lecture?

The main topic of the lecture is the semiological evaluation and diagnosis of small animals, with a specific focus on the assessment of lymph nodes using ultrasonography.

What are the primary conditions that affect lymph nodes in small animals?

The primary conditions that affect lymph nodes in small animals include reactive hyperplasia, which can be caused by inflammation or infection, and neoplastic processes, such as primary cancer or metastasis from other organs.

How can ultrasonography help in diagnosing lymph node conditions?

Ultrasonography helps by providing detailed images of lymph nodes, allowing veterinarians to assess their size, shape, echogenicity, texture, and the presence of any abnormalities like increased thickness or hyperechogenicity, which can indicate pathology such as infection or cancer.

What does an increase in lymph node size (lymphadenomegaly) suggest?

Lymphadenomegaly, or enlargement of the lymph nodes, can suggest a pathological process, such as inflammation, infection (e.g., leishmaniasis), or neoplasia, and requires further investigation using imaging techniques like ultrasonography.

What are some key characteristics of lymph nodes affected by neoplasia?

Lymph nodes affected by neoplasia often show irregular contours, increased size, and may have a more rounded shape. Their echogenicity may be reduced, and there may be increased peripheral neovascularization, which can be assessed using Doppler ultrasonography.

How do you determine if a lymph node is accessible for cytological sampling?

The accessibility of a lymph node for cytological sampling is determined by its location and depth. Superficial lymph nodes are easier to sample using fine needle aspiration (FNA), while deeper lymph nodes may require more advanced techniques like biopsy.

What role does Doppler ultrasonography play in assessing lymph nodes?

Doppler ultrasonography is used to assess blood flow in lymph nodes. Increased peripheral neovascularization, detected by Doppler, can be indicative of malignancy or other pathological changes in the lymph node.

What is the significance of hyperechoic fatty tissue surrounding a lymph node?

Hyperechoic fatty tissue around a lymph node can suggest an active pathological process, such as neoplasia, as it often occurs when the lymph node is enlarged and the surrounding fat becomes more echogenic due to increased activity.

How do the features of a lymph node vary when there is chronicity in the condition?

In cases of chronicity, such as a long-standing infection or inflammation, lymph nodes may develop cysts, which appear as anechoic areas on ultrasonography. This indicates that the condition has been ongoing for a longer period.

What are the two main techniques used to collect samples from enlarged lymph nodes?

The two main techniques for collecting samples from enlarged lymph nodes are fine needle aspiration (FNA), where a needle is used to aspirate cells for cytological examination, and biopsy, where a tissue sample is removed for histopathological analysis.