THE ROLE OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN DIAGNOSIS OF PERIPHERAL LYMPHATIC DISORDERS

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used in 13 patients with peripheral lymphedemaand 2 patients with extensive cavernous lymphangioma of the limb for the purpose of evaluatingits role in diagnosis of lymphatic disorders. In chronic lymphedema, MRI showed deformity oflymphatics at different tissue levels. In the subcutis, MRI characteristically displayed diffuseedema or a honeycombed pattern consistent with reticular lymphangiectasis and “lakes” with amarked increase in signal intensity with T2-weighted imaging. In lymphedema hyperplasia andchylous reflux, MRI depicted dilated retroperitoneal lymphatic collectors and lumbar trunks. Incavernous lymphangiomatosis, MRI demonstrated a prominent lattice-like pattern which hadlower signal intensity on T1-weighted imaging and higher intensity on T2-weighted imaging. Thefindings of MRI are valuable not only for accurate assessment of lymphatic dysplasia syndromesbut also provide a blueprint for treatment options.