Hypersplenism may occur as a late manifestation of Hodgkin's disease or, much less commonly, as a presenting feature at the time of diagnosis. In either case, it reduces the patient's tolerance to chemotherapy and compromises his chances of survival. Splenectomy is recommended by some to correct the cytopenia and improve the patient's tolerance of cytotoxic agents. During the past few years, three patients with Hodgkin's disease and hypersplenism were seen at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. In this report we describe these patients, discuss the therapeutic implications of this uncommon but serious complication, and give a brief review of the literature.
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