AGE-RELATED THORACIC LYMPHADENOPATHIES AND DISEASE PROGRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH MODERATE-TO-SEVERE ASTHMA: AN EVALUATION OF CLINICAL AND IMAGING FINDINGS

Introduction: Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory disease affecting individuals of all ages. Thoracic lymphadenopathies, commonly observed in computed tomography scans of elderly patients, may reflect lymphatic and immune changes. However, their relationship with asthma is not well understood. This study aims to explore the impact of age on thoracic lymphadenopathies’ characteristics in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma and their associations with clinical and imaging findings. Materials and Method: In this retrospective study, 114 adult patients with moderate-to-severe asthma underwent multi-slice computed tomography. Lymph node size and number were analyzed alongside demographic data, pulmonary function test results, asthma control test scores, and clinical parameters. Statistical analyses assessed correlations between thoracic lymphadenopathies, and these factors. Results: Enlarged lymph nodes were identified in 19.2% of patients, predominantly in stations 4R, 7, and 5. Lymph node size and number positively correlated with age, smoking, prolonged asthma duration, frequent attacks, female gender, and elevated CRP levels, while negatively correlating with forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Thoracic lymphadenopathies in asthma patients are closely associated with age, inflammation, and disease progression. In elderly patients, increased number of thoracic lymphadenopathies may result from immunosenescence and chronic inflammation. These findings emphasize the need to evaluate lymphatic changes in asthma, particularly in older adults, to improve clinical management and therapeutics. Keywords: Asthma; Aging; Lymph Nodes.