Lymphangiography in Hodgkin's disease: indications and contraindications.

a lymphangiogram in order to definitely determine whether disease exists below the diaphragm in the retroperitoneal space. If disease is found, current evidence indicates that it should be treated with radiation therapy. Lymphangiography is usually not indicated in patients with Stages IIB and III disease. Retroperitoneal disease almost invariably exists and the procedure should only be done for specific indications. The contraindica tions of this procedure should be kept in mind and carefully scrutinized in every patient who undergoes the procedure. The error in interpretation of lymphangiogram films is at least 10%, and may well be higher, especially in inexperienced hands. Errors are almost invariably falsely negative readings, not false posi tives. The value of uncovering occult asymptomatic retroperitoneal Hodgkin's disease is still unknown. One would have to assume