STAGING OF THORACIC LYMPHOMA BY RADIOLOGICAL IMAGING

Thoracic lymphomas, which are very common especially in Hodgkin's dise ase patients, are characterised by enlargement of mediastinal lymph no des, parenchymal abnormalities, and pleural, pericardial cardial and c hest wall involvement. The use of several imaging techniques has been proposed in order to assess the extent of the disease correctly and to plan therapy. The most relevant results in this field, especially tho se using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) an d gallium scanning, are summarised in this review. Presently CT is wid ely and successfully used in staging patients, whereas MRI seems to be preferable, as a second-step technique, if pericardial. pleural and c hest wall involvement are suspected. Thee role of gallium scanning is limited in the staging, although it could be relevant in the follow-up of treated patients.