Retroperitoneal lymphoma involving pancreas--complementary radionuclide scan and ultrasonography

Radionuclide emisssion tomography and ultrasonography were obtained on a patient with recurrent epigastric pain. In the pancreatic region an ultrasonic scan revealed a conglomerated mass. Following administration of Se-75 selenomethionine, the multiplane longitudinal tomographic scan demonstrated marked concentration of activity in the region of the pancreas which corresponded to a large defect in the hilus of the liver observed on prior liver-spleen scan with Tc-99m sulfur colloid. Surgery revealed a poorly differentiated histiocytic lymphoma in the retroperitoneum. The radionuclide and echographic scans of the retroperitoneal lymphomas briefly discussed, and their complementary role as a diagnostic tool stressed.