Cytologic diagnosis and monitoring of Hodgkin's disease in cerebrospinal fluid: a case report

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in Hodgkin's disease is rare, but when the tumor extends into the CNS the route of tumor spread is similar to that seen in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Reed-Sternberg cells were identified in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a patient with Hodgkin's disease involving the CNS. Sequential cytologic examination of the CSF proved valuable in evaluating the efficacy of therapy. The ability to identify Reed-Sternberg cells in the CSF makes CSF cytology a useful adjunct in the management of patients with established or suspected CNS involvement of Hodgkin's disease.