INDIRECT LYMPHOGRAPHY OF THE BREAST WITH IOTASUL: A VANISHING HOPE?

R Musumeci, JD Tesoro-Tess, A Costa, U Veronesi

Abstract


Using a new aqueous nonionic conrrast medium
(lotasul, Schering) we attempted visualization of axillary
lymph nodes in patients with breast carcinoma. lntradermal
infusion into the areola consistently opacified
the subareolar plexus and latero-cranial lymphatic
trunk. Axillary nodes were visualized in 78.6% of patients,
but only 5.7% of surgically excised nodes were
partially or totally opacified. Eleven patients underwent
axillary lymph node dissection and histology confirmed
metastases in 4, of which only two were detected by
lymphography. Breast lymphography is inadequate for
routine clinical application, and radical axillary dissection
remains the mainstay for documentation of nodal
metastases.


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