title: Detection of neoplastic lymph node involvement in the retroperitoneal space. Diagnostic value of CT, echography and lymphography.
abstract: The diagnostic value of echography, computerized tomography and lymphography in the detection of infiltrating retroperitoneal lymph nodes was assessed in a prospective study. Ninety-six patients suffering from Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, seminomatous and and non-seminomatous tumours of the testis were examined with all three methods. Sixty-two (30 non-seminomas, 32 Hodgkin's diseases) had an exploratory laparotomy at least one week after the diagnostic examinations. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed on the basis of the pathohistological findings. The sensitivity was 92% for CT, 79% for echography and 83% for lymphography. The specificity was 89% for CT, 95% for echography and 84% for lymphography. The presented findings suggest that a re-evaluation of the diagnostic strategy in assessment of lesions involving retroperitoneal lymph node is required.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008220:Lymphography; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography