Anthracotic intrapulmonal lymph nodes mimicking lung metastases.

Abstract

Intrapulmonal round lesions show characteristic radiologic features that distinguish them from other lung pathologies. Typically, they display a sharp margin with a homogenous inner pattern. Differential diagnosis includes metastases, particularly if the patient has a history of malignancy. However, benign lesions, although less common, should also be considered. We here present the case of a 58-year-old man with a history of bladder and prostate carcinoma, showing multiple typical round lesions on chest computed tomography, mimicking metastatic disease to the lung. Subsequently, wedge-resected specimens revealed anthracotic lymph nodes, so that intrapulmonal lymph nodes should be anticipated even in patients with preceding malignant disease.