Ultrasound detection of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in three cynomolgus monkeys after renal transplantation and cyclosporine immunosuppression.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the early detection of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) with ultrasound in three clinically normal cynomolgus monkeys post-renal transplantation and immunosuppression with cyclosporine.


METHODS
The monkeys in this report were treated with cyclosporine (Neoral) after receiving renal transplants. In addition to clinical and laboratory (hematology, serum chemistry) monitoring, renal allografts were monitored every 2 weeks with ultrasound and ultrasound-guided allograft biopsies were performed.


RESULTS
Enlarged renal hilar and mesenteric lymph nodes were detected with ultrasound in three monkeys on days 36, 49 and 134 post-transplantation. Sonographically the lymph nodes were inhomogeneous, of low echogenity and rounded. In two animals, the spleen was sonographically enlarged and inhomogeneous. All three monkeys were symptom-free at the time of ultrasound detection and NHL was diagnosed histologically.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound provides a rapid, non-invasive means of early detection of NHL in animal transplantation models prior to the onset of clinical symptoms of disease.
Gaschen
L
L
Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland. alf.gaschen@dplanet.ch
Schuurman
H J
HJ
D000818:Animals; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008252:Macaca fascicularis; D008992:Monkey Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D014463:Ultrasonography
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine