Related Experiment Videos
Radiographic findings in previously untreated children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Insights
Radiographs reveal significant abnormalities in children with non-Hodgkin
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Radiology
Background:
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a significant malignancy in children.
- Accurate staging is crucial for effective treatment planning.
- Initial imaging plays a key role in identifying disease extent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic yield of initial radiographic studies in children with newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- To assess the frequency and types of abnormalities detected by radiography, lymphography, and barium studies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of initial radiographs (chest, abdomen) for 51 children with untreated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Analysis of chest radiograph findings, including pleural effusions.
- Evaluation of lymphography and barium study results where performed.
Main Results:
- Abnormal chest radiographs were found in 37% of patients; pleural effusions in 14%.
- Lymphography was positive in 30% of successful studies.
- Bone lesions (18%), including facial bones, were common and symptomatic.
- Intrinsic small bowel (10%) and colon (8%) involvement was symptomatic.
Conclusions:
- Initial radiographic surveys are valuable for detecting extranodal involvement in pediatric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Symptomatic bone and gastrointestinal involvement is frequent.
- Routine barium studies may have limited value in asymptomatic children due to the high incidence of symptomatic disease on other imaging.
Abstract:
The initial radiographs of 51 consecutive, previously untreated children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were reviewed. The chest radiograph was abnormal in 37%, with pleural effusions seen in 14% of patients. Lymphography, readily performed in children, was positive in 30% of the successful studies. There was a high incidence of bone lesions (18% of patients), due in large part to involvement of the facial bones; all were symptomatic and/or seen on the routine chest and abdominal radiographs. Intrinsic disease of the small bowel (10%) and colon (8%) was also associated with symptoms, so that the value of routine barium studies in asymptomatic children is questioned.