Cardiopulmonary function in long-term survivors of childhood Hodgkin's lymphoma: a pilot study

Twelve patients who had received mantle radiotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma during childhood underwent cardiopulmonary testing 7 years or more after the initial diagnosis and treatment. All but one patient had been asymptomatic. Results of echocardiography, pulmonary function tests, or exercise studies were abnormal in 9 of the 12 patients. Long-term follow-up of cardiopulmonary function will be important to determine the ultimate significance of these abnormalities. These potential complications must be considered in planning prospective therapeutic studies in children with Hodgkin's disease.