Observations on "reactive (follicular) hyperplasia" as encountered in repeat lymphography in the lymphomas.

Abstract

A phenomenon encountered in some patients undergoing repeat lymphography is described, which consists of an interval substantial increase in size and granularity of the opacified lymph nodes on the repeat study when compared to the initial study. These findings are diffuse and symmetrical, with the exception that they do not involve previously irradiated lymph node groups. This increase in lymph node size and coarsening of internal architecture is caused by a non-specific lymph node reactive follicular hyperplasia. Such findings on repeat lymphography should not be mistaken for relapsing disease occurring in previously normal lymph nodes, but rather should be recognized as simply representing a non-specific lymph node reactive hyperplasia.