Role of Multidetector Ct in Imaging of Lymphoma

Abstract

BACKGROUND Lymphomas are one of the common neoplasms of the patients in the young age group. Accurate staging of the patients is very important in planning appropriate therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was a retrospective survey from 2004 to 2005. CT scan abdomen was performed in 80 patients of histological proved lymphoma. CT guided fine needle aspiration cytology were also performed where indicated by the referring physician. RESULTS In this retrospective male preponderance study of 80 patients with proven lymphoma, positive findings were seen in 57 (71.2%) patients with 46% of HD and 84% of NHL patients showed intra-abdominal involvement. CT accurately detected nodal and extra nodal sites of involvement. Lymph node involvement was the most common manifestation of lymphoma and it was seen in 66% of all the patients. CT showed the exact sites, the pattern of involvement, the morphological features and associated complications. In both HD and NHL. Extranodal involvement was detected in patients. The involvement of liver was seen in 28%, spleen in 26.3%, GIT in 14% and renal involvement was seen in 7% of the patients with positive findings. Other sites of involvement include pancreas, psoas muscle and vertebrae. CONCLUSION The accuracy of CT in the staging of patients with lymphoma is widely recognised, and it is now the first investigation of choice in the initial staging and followup of these patients. Most centres now rely on biopsy of one group of nodes for diagnosis and stage the patient based on imaging with CT and haematological assessment including bone marrow biopsy.