Marcon M, Catanese C, Scarano AL, Del Grande F, Manganiello M, Palermo M, Rizzo S. Axillary lymph nodes enlargement after Sars-CoV-2 vaccine in patients undergoing breast examination: a single-centre experience in 285 women.
LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2023;
128:1217-1224. [PMID:
37626156 DOI:
10.1007/s11547-023-01696-5]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE
To assess the incidence of axillary lymphadenopathy over established time ranges after COVID-19 vaccination and lymph node pathologic features (i.e. size increase and qualitative characteristics) in subjects undergoing axillary evaluation during a breast imaging examination.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
The institutional review board approved this prospective study.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
women undergoing mammography and breast ultrasound between July and October 2021; information about the COVID-19 vaccine and infection, if any.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA
known metastatic lymphadenopathy. Participants were divided into 5 subgroups according to time between vaccine and imaging: < 6 weeks; 7-8 weeks; 9-10 weeks; 11-12 weeks; > 12 weeks. Evaluation of axillary lymph nodes was performed with ultrasound. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. p < 0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS
A total of 285 women were included. Most of the patients underwent Moderna vaccine (n = 175, 61.4%). 63/285 patients had a previous history of breast cancer (22.1%). 13/17 (76.5%) patients with previous COVID-19 infection had no previous history of cancer, whereas 4/17 had a previous history of cancer (p < .001). 41/285 (14.4%) women showed lymphadenopathy, and they were significantly younger (46.9 ± 11.6 years) than women with borderline (54.0 ± 11.9 years) or no lymphadenopathy (57.3 ± 11.9 years) (p < .001). Lymphadenopathy and borderline lymphadenopathy were more frequently observed in the Moderna-vaccinated women and in the subgroup of patients evaluated < 6 weeks after vaccination (p < 0.001). The most common pathologic feature was cortical thickening, followed by complete or partial effacement of fatty hilum.
CONCLUSION
A lymphadenopathy within 12 weeks after vaccination is a common finding particularly in younger women and after Moderna vaccine and no further assessment should be required.
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