ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic value of gallium scintigraphy using a SPECT technique with spiral CT for evaluating activity following chemotherapy in patients with malignant lymphoma and to determine treatment options. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The results of gallium scintigraphy in 28 patients with malignant lymphoma (19 Hodgkin's disease, 9 high grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) following curative treatment were compared with the CT morphology in relation to inactive regions and residual masses. RESULTS: Ga-67-SPECT proved superior to CT for evaluating the activity in 85 initially involved nodes (sensitivity 94.4% against 83.3%; specificity 100% against 92.5%). It was, however, inferior for demonstrating organ involvement in 28 instances. In seven patients with residual masses, Ga-67-SPECT directly affected staging and further therapy. CONCLUSION: The increasing use of secondary treatment schemes for curative purposes makes Ga-67-SPECT a suitable method for the early recognition of residual activity in Hodgkin's disease and high grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.