Metal-containing lymph nodes following prosthetic replacement of osseous malignancy: potential role of MR imaging in characterisation.

Abstract

The identification of regional lymphadenopathy in patients with bone malignancy treated by excision and insertion of a prosthesis usually indicates metastatic disease. We present two cases in which the lymphadenopathy was due to an uncommon but well-recognized foreign body reaction. This is secondary to the lymphatic uptake of metal debris shed by the prosthesis. In one case the metal within the excised lymph node could be demonstrated on in vitro MR imaging and in retrospect on the original in vivo scans. This condition should be considered when undertaking an MR examination in patients with bone malignancy treated by prosthetic replacement in whom there is a clinical suspicion of metastatic spread to the regional lymph nodes.