Radiologic evaluation of subdiaphragmatic spread of Hodgkin's disease.

A prospective investigation is presented on the usefulness of lymphography, computed tomography, ultrasound, radionuclide examinations and fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the spleen and the liver in assessing subdiaphragmatic spread of Hodgkin's disease. Initial staging laparotomy is superior to all other diagnostic procedures. If laparotomy cannot be performed, CT and scintigraphy of the spleen are recommended. At restaging CT and lymphography provide equal diagnostic yield; CT is suggested, however, to be used in the first place.