[Ultrasonography and ultrasound-guided biopsy in lymphomas]

The authors have reviewed the literature on imaging techniques for the diagnosis of lymphoma. Lymphography, axial computerized tomography (CT) and echotomography have been compared as to their sensitivity and specificity. Lymphography allows diagnosis of the disease even in lymph nodes of less than 0.5 cm diameter, but this technique cannot be applied to all lymphatic station. Echotomography and CT are equivalent as to the accuracy of diagnosis and are both helpful for guided needle biopsy. In view of its low cost, echotomography is considered by most workers the first-line approach to the evaluation of lymphoma patients. In spite of its advantages over other methods, echotomography must, nevertheless, be integrated by CT, lymphography, and nuclear magnetic resonance.