Intrathoracic Hodgkin's Disease: Its Roentgen Diagnosis

The typical case of Hodgkin's disease with its enlargement of external lymph nodes is readily recognized as such clinically. The disease assumes at times, however, clinical types which may deviate from the usual form. Uncertainty of diagnosis may then arise, especially in the cases in which external lymphomas are poorly developed or absent. We have especially in mind the cases of abdominal Hodgkin's disease, or the splenomegalic form, in which the diagnosis may remain in doubt for some time unless external lymph nodes are available for section. In view of the known frequency of involvement of the intrathoracic lymph nodes it is not unnatural to suppose that an examination of the chest might furnish some clarifying data in these doubtful or atypical cases. When we take stock, however, of the means at our disposal for the recognition of intrathoracic Hodgkin's disease, the limitations of the ordinary physical examination become apparent.