[CT staging of malignant lymphoma. How to avoid misinterpretations]

Therapeutic strategy and prognosis of malignant lymphoma are influenced by staging. Therefore, evaluation of pattern of lymphatic involvement is highly relevant. There are numerous pitfalls possible in detection and description when malignant lymphomas are visualized by computed tomography (CT). Normal anatomic structures may be interpreted as pathologic lymph nodes by inexperienced radiologists. Assessment and detection of lymphomas require precise knowledge of normal anatomic structures as well as roentgenological criteria and adequate methods of imaging. This report provides an overview of the relevant pitfalls and often overlooked areas in staging of malignant lymphomas.