Osteonecrosis in patients with Hodgkin disease following combination chemotherapy

Three cases of osteonecrosis in patients receiving prednisone as part of multi-drug chemotherapy for lymphoma are presented. These patients are discussed in the context of previously reported series. The etiology of steroid-induced osteonecrosis and its radiologic manifestations are reviewed with regard to the need for biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In light of this complication, the need for prednisone in lymphoma chemotherapy is considered.