Pathogenesis of Jaundice in Hodgkin's Disease

Abstract

Jaundice is not an uncommon symptom in patients with Hodgkin's disease, but its specific etiology is often difficult to establish. This study was undertaken in an effort to clarify the pathogenesis of jaundice in patients with Hodgkin's disease. In particular intrahepatic cholestasis with a picture of complete obstruction of the common duct presents a real diagnostic and therapeutic problem. Two additional cases of intrahepatic cholestasis secondary to Hodgkin's disease are reported. The incidence of jaundice in Hodgkin's disease as reported in the medical literature is between 3% and 68%.^1-9 Material and Methods The present series consists of a study of 615 patients with confirmed diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease by biopsy. These patients were seen at the Ohio State University Hospital between June, 1949, and June, 1959. Results Of the 615 patients with Hodgkin's disease, 83 developed one or more episodes of jaundice during the course of their illness, an