CTICasesTattoo Ink Lymphadenopathy
Imaging findings
Chest CT shows symmetric, markedly hyperdense (high-attenuation) axillary lymph nodes that look faintly calcified on soft-tissue windows. The patient has a history of extensive tattooing on both upper extremities.
Key takeaways
Tattoo-induced lymphadenopathy is a benign condition caused by the active transport of tattoo pigment particles (such as iron oxides, titanium dioxide, or carbon black) by dermal macrophages via lymphatic channels to the regional lymph nodes. These metallic pigments can render the lymph nodes hyperdense on CT, mimicking calcification, and can cause mild T2 signal changes or localized heating during MRI.
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