Lymphographic accuracy in 632 consecutive, previously untreated cases of Hodgkin disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Abstract

The accuracy of lymphography was prospectively evaluated in a series of 632 consecutive, unselected patients with Hodgkin disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The cases were newly diagnosed and previously untreated. The following five parameters of lymphographic accuracy were achieved: sensitivity 91%, specificity 91%, overall accuracy 91%, accuracy of positive diagnosis 84%, and accuracy of negative diagnosis 95%. Before this useful imaging modality is prematurely abandoned, comparable studies of the accuracy of ultrasound and computed tomography, perhaps with a less extensive series, should be carried out.