Ultrasonography in the staging of Hodgkin's disease: lymphangiographic correlation

The contribution of ultrasonography (US) to the staging of Hodgkin's disease was studied in 45 patients. US findings were compared with lymphangiograms (LAG) performed in the same period. In 93% of the patients there was good correlation between the two examinations. In 7% (three patients) there was a discrepancy: LAG showed retroperitoneal node involvement while with US this was negative. There were no false-positive US examinations. We therefore suggest that US be used as the primary method in the initial evaluation of Hodgkin's disease and LAG be performed only when US is negative.