What are periaortic nodes?

Periaortic nodes are lymph nodes located around the aorta, the large blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. These nodes play a crucial role in the lymphatic system by filtering lymph fluid and facilitating immune responses. They are often assessed in medical imaging and procedures to evaluate conditions such as cancer, especially in the context of staging and treatment planning. Enlargement or metastasis in periaortic nodes can indicate underlying pathologies, including malignancies.