Computed tomography in hepatic lymphoma.

Abstract

Computed tomographic (CT) examinations of the abdomen, performed in 323 patients with lymphoma, were reviewed to determine the value of CT in detecting lymphomatous involvement of the liver and the CT appearance of hepatic lymphoma. Additionally, the CT scans were compared with the radionuclide scans. Of 95 patients in whom histological studies were performed, 65 had undergone both CT and radionuclide scanning. CT was found to have a sensitivity of 57% and a specificity of 88%. Radionuclide scans had a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 81%. No specific pattern of involvement was revealed by CT. No correlation was found between the type of lymphoma and evidence of liver involvement on CT or radionuclide scans. The results of studies of the spleen are also briefly reviewed. False-positive results of CT examinations were usually the result of technical artifacts. CT and radionuclide scans are comparable in their ability to detect hepatic involvement by lymphoma; however, because CT also provides information on abdominal lymph nodes, it is the preferable examination.