Interstitial magnetic resonance lymphography: the clinical effectiveness of a new method.

[lymphede...@gmail.com]

Interstitial magnetic resonance lymphography: the clinical
effectiveness of a new method.

Sept 2008

Dimakakos E, Koureas A, Koutoulidis V, Skiadas V, Katsenis K,
Arkadopoulos N, Gouliamos A, Vlachos L.
Vascular Unit of 2nd Surgical Clinic, University of Athens, Greece.
edima...@yahoo.gr

The aim of this study is to evaluate effectiveness of interstitial
magnetic resonance lymphography as an examination for the depiction of
the lymphatic system in humans by comparison with direct x-ray
lymphography. We studied 14 subjects (two volunteers and 12 patients
with clinical suspicion of lymphedema of the lower extremities). We
first administered subcutaneous gadobutrol between the toes and
performed MR lymphography. After seven days, we injected lipiodol into
the lymph vessels of 8 patients and performed x-ray direct
lymphography to compare findings of two methods. We identified the
normal lymphatic system (lymph vessels and inguinal lymph nodes) of
volunteers. In seven subjects, we were able to image an abnormal
lymphatic system with decreased number of lymph vessels, lymphoceles,
and ectatic lymph vessels. In three subjects we identified both an
abnormal lymphatic and venous system and in two patients only the
venous system. In all cases x-ray direct lymphography confirmed the
findings of the MR lymphography. No side effects were observed from
either contrast agent. We expect that in the future, interstitial MR
lymphography will be improved and evolve into a valuable diagnostic
tool for the evaluation of lymphatic diseases particularly those who
present with primarily lymphedema in the lower limbs or second, in
regions other than extremities.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19013879?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum