Ultrasound detection of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in three cynomolgus monkeysafter renal transplantation and cyclosporine immunosuppression

Purpose: To describe the early detection of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) wi th ultrasound in three clinically normal cynomolgus monkeys post-renal tran splantation and immunosuppression with cyclosporine. Materials and methods: The monkeys in this report were treated with cyclosporine (Neoral(R)) afte r receiving renal transplants. In addition to clinical and laboratory (hema tology, serum chemistry) monitoring, renal allografts were monitored every 2 weeks with ultrasound and ultrasound-guided allograft biopsies were perfo rmed. Results: Enlarged renal hilar and mesenteric lymph nodes were detecte d with ultrasound in three monkeys on days 36, 49 and 134 post-transplantat ion. Sonographically the lymph nodes were inhomogeneous, of low echogenity and rounded. In two animals, the spleen was sonographically enlarged and in homogeneous. All three monkeys were symptom-free at the time of ultrasound detection and NHL was diagnosed histologically. Conclusion: Ultrasound prov ides a rapid, non-invasive means of early detection of NHL in animal transp lantation models prior to the onset of clinical symptoms of disease.