Lymphadenopathy in chronic active hepatitis: CT observations.

CT scans were obtained in 17 patients who had biopsy-proved chronic active hepatitis in order to evaluate deteriorating liver function and clinical status. Lymphadenopathy in the porta hepatis and/or retroperitoneum was found in 11 patients (65%), and this was the only CT indication of significant hepatic disease in six patients (35%). In three of five patients who subsequently underwent immunosuppressive therapy, serial biopsy, and CT scanning, clinical and histologic improvement in the condition of the liver were accompanied by a reduction in lymph-node size on CT. These findings suggest that abdominal adenopathy is a frequent CT finding in patients who have chronic active hepatitis and might be a useful marker in monitoring immunotherapy.