INTERSTITIAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE LYMPHOGRAPHY: THE CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF A NEW METHOD

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluateeffectiveness of interstitial magnetic resonancelymphography as an examination for thedepiction of the lymphatic system in humansby comparison with direct x-ray lymphography.We studied 14 subjects (two volunteers and 12patients with clinical suspicion of lymphedemaof the lower extremities). We first administeredsubcutaneous gadobutrol between the toesand performed MR lymphography. After sevendays, we injected lipiodol into the lymphvessels of 8 patients and performed x-raydirect lymphography to compare findings oftwo methods. We identified the normallymphatic system (lymph vessels and inguinallymph nodes) of volunteers. In seven subjects,we were able to image an abnormal lymphaticsystem with decreased number of lymphvessels, lymphoceles, and ectatic lymphvessels. In three subjects we identified both anabnormal lymphatic and venous system andin two patients only the venous system. In allcases x-ray direct lymphography confirmedthe findings of the MR lymphography. No sideeffects were observed from either contrastagent.We expect that in the future, interstitialMR lymphography will be improved and evolveinto a valuable diagnostic tool for theevaluation of lymphatic diseases particularlythose who present with primarily lymphedemain the lower limbs or second, in regionsother than extremities.