Supraclavicular lymph node, Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Computed tomography, Short-axis diameter, Diagnostic accuracy, Medical physics. Medical radiology. Nuclear medicine, R895-920

Abstract Objectives To determine the threshold size for predicting metastasis of supraclavicular lymph nodes (SCLNs) 6 mm, resulting in sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy of 77.1%, 80.7%, 65.0%, 88.3%, 79.1%, respectively. In the validation set, these metrics were 87.5%, 74.5%, 61.8%, 92.7%, 81.0%, respectively. Conclusion SAD on CT can suspect metastasis of SCLN 6 mm. Clinical relevance statement Determining the threshold size criterion on CT images may enhance the prediction of supraclavicular lymph node metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients, thereby benefiting diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Key Points Supraclavicular lymph nodes < 10 mm in esophageal carcinoma are indeterminate for malignancy. Supraclavicular lymph nodes > 6 mm are highly suspicious for malignancy. The metastasis status of supraclavicular lymph nodes is critical for staging esophageal carcinoma. Graphical Abstract