폐내 림프절은 흉부엑스선상 폐결절로 나타나는 드문 질환으로 방사선 소견만으로는 악성종양과 감별하기 어렵다. 저자는 중엽과 하엽의 늑막표면 근처에 위치하는 직경 1cm 이하의 다발성 결절을 흉강경하 생검하여 폐내 림프절로 확진한 1예를 경험하였기에 문헌 고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다.
The lymphoid system of the lung represents a complex network of lymphoid tissue and lymphatic vessels. Lymph nodes are normally located in the hila, adjacent to the lobar bronchi and within the lung to the level of the fourth-order bronchi. Clinically apparent intrapulmonary lymph nodes are rare. Although of intrapulmonary lymph node histogenesis is uncertain, They are probably hyperplastic lymphoid nodules related to inhalation of irritant dusts and attendant distortion of local lymphatic vessels. Intrapulmonary lymph nodes are detected as solitary or multiple pulmonary nodules. These nodules are difficult to differentiate from intrapulmonary metastasis by radiologic finding. We experienced a case of intrapulmonary lymph nodes presenting multiple nodules in a 46 years old man, which was confirmed by thoracoscopic biopsy.
