[Diagnostic imaging of malignant lymphoma]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Accurate staging is crucial for effective malignant lymphoma treatment.
• Traditional staging methods have limitations in detecting disease extent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnostic accuracy of various modalities in staging abdominal lymphoma.
• To evaluate the impact of computed tomography on lymphoma staging.

Main Methods:

• Review of diagnostic accuracy for staging laparotomy and imaging modalities.
• Evaluation of computed tomography's role in staging 47 malignant lymphoma patients.
• Comparison of computed tomography with lymphography and gallium scintigraphy.

Main Results:

• Modern diagnostic imaging demonstrates 80-90% accuracy in detecting abdominal lymphoma, with exceptions for diffuse hepatic and splenic lesions.
• Computed tomography changed the disease stage in 15 out of 47 patients.
• Computed tomography provided information on disease extension not visible with gallium scintigraphy or lymphography.

Conclusions:

• Computed tomography, lymphography, and gallium scintigraphy are key for malignant lymphoma staging.
• Computed tomography enhances staging accuracy by providing complementary information.
• Improved staging through advanced imaging can lead to better treatment decisions.