Scattered nodes

I had a ct scan of my lungs and it showed scattered nodes in the mediastinum without adenopathy, also scattered strands of fibrosis and linear atelectasis bilateral. What does this mean

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

Lymph nodes are normal anatomic structures in the mediastinum.  The key words here are “without adenopathy” and that means there is no enlargement of the nodes.  Generally there is concern when lymph nodes are enlarged; not otherwise.

The findings of “scattered strands of fibrosis and linear atelectasis” are ordinarily of no clinical significance but you will have to ask your pulmonary specialist what is meant by this and by  “scattered nodes in the mediastinum”.  

The interpretation suggests that there are no significant abnormalities of the mediastinum and that is good news.

Good luck