Hepatic pathology associated with Hodgkin's disease

Abstract

Liver biopsies obtained during staging laparotomy for Hodgkin's disease from 103 untreated and 25 previously treated patients were reviewed. No significant differences were noted between the two groups as to the incidence of Hodgkin's disease, epithelioid cell granulomata, and non-specific inflammation. There appeared to be some increase (not statistically significant) in fatty infiltration and hemosiderosis in the treated patients. Patients with elevated alkaline phosphatase demonstrated Hodgkin's disease, non-specific hepatic lesions, or no pathologic findings. Biopsies from 5 Hodgkin's disease patients with hepatitis-associated antigen revealed varied hepatic pathologic findings. In 70 patients with both wedge and deep needle biopsies, the needle biopsy did not demonstrate additional lesions than those observed in the wedge specimen. The importance of careful examination of the liver surface during laparotomy was emphasized. Cancer 33:1564–1571, 1974.