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Mills M, Brezgyte G, Ho B, Pearce J, Gordon K, Mortimer PS, Ostergaard P, Howe FA. Magnetic resonance lymphangiography: Establishing normal. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2024; 12:101870. [PMID: 38513796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2024.101870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite an increased interest in visualizing the lymphatic vessels with magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL), little literature is available describing their appearance in nonlymphedematous individuals. To determine lymphatic abnormalities, an understanding of how healthy lymphatic vessels appear and behave needs to be established. Therefore, in this study, MRL of individuals without a history of lymphatic disease was performed. METHODS A total of 25 individuals (15 women) underwent MRL of their lower limbs using a 3.0 T Philips magnetic resonance imaging scanner (Philips Medical Systems). The first nine participants were recruited to establish the concentration of gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) to administer, with the remainder imaged before and after interdigital forefoot GBCA injections at the optimized dose. Outcomes, including lymphatic vessel diameter, tortuosity, and frequency of drainage via particular drainage routes, were recorded. RESULTS Healthy lymphatic vessels following the anteromedial pathway were routinely observed in post-contrast T1-weighted images (average tortuosity, 1.09 ± 0.03), with an average of 2.16 ± 0.93 lymphatic vessels with a diameter of 2.47 ± 0.50 mm crossing the anterior ankle. In six limbs, vessels following the anterolateral pathways were observed. No vessels traversing the posterior of the legs were seen. In a subset of 10 vessels, the lymphatic signal, measured at the ankle, peaked 29 minutes, 50 seconds ± 9 minutes, 29 seconds after GBCA administration. No lymphatic vessels were observed in T2-weighted images. CONCLUSIONS Contrast-enhanced MRL reliably depicts the lymphatic vessels in the legs of healthy controls. Following interdigital contrast injection, anteromedial drainage appears dominant. Quantitative measures related to lymphatic vessel size, tortuosity, and drainage rate are readily obtainable and could be beneficial for detecting even subtle lymphatic impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Mills
- Neurosciencs and Cell Biology Research Institute, St. George's University of London, London, UK.
| | - Greta Brezgyte
- Cardiovascular and Genomics Research Institute, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Bernard Ho
- Dermatology and Lymphovascular Medicine, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Julian Pearce
- Dermatology and Lymphovascular Medicine, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kristiana Gordon
- Cardiovascular and Genomics Research Institute, St. George's University of London, London, UK; Dermatology and Lymphovascular Medicine, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Peter S Mortimer
- Cardiovascular and Genomics Research Institute, St. George's University of London, London, UK; Dermatology and Lymphovascular Medicine, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Pia Ostergaard
- Cardiovascular and Genomics Research Institute, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Franklyn A Howe
- Neurosciencs and Cell Biology Research Institute, St. George's University of London, London, UK
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Mirhosseini SM, Soltanipur M, Yarmohammadi H, Rezaei M, Sheikhi Z. Lymphedema after saphenous harvesting for coronary artery bypass surgery: case report and literature review. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2024; 24:41. [PMID: 38212705 PMCID: PMC10785345 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-03712-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Different causes have been described for secondary lymphedema as reported in this article. A 75-year-old man was diagnosed with lymphedema about one decade after saphenous harvesting for coronary artery bypass surgery. It took two years for him to find out his diagnosis and receive the proper treatment. After standard complete decongestive therapy, his volume and pain decreased and his quality of life was improved, especially its physical aspect. It is important to recognize the possibility of lymphedema development after saphenous harvesting among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery to prevent significant disturbance of quality of life with timely management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masood Soltanipur
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Medical Students Research Committee, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
- Quality of Life Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Yarmohammadi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Medical Students Research Committee, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
- Quality of Life Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Rezaei
- Medical Students Research Committee, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Sheikhi
- Quality of Life Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
- Integrative Oncology Research Group, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, No.146, South Gandi Ave, Vanak Sq, Tehran, 1517964311, Iran.
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3
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Sevick-Muraca EM, Fife CE, Rasmussen JC. Imaging peripheral lymphatic dysfunction in chronic conditions. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1132097. [PMID: 37007996 PMCID: PMC10050385 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1132097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The lymphatics play important roles in chronic diseases/conditions that comprise the bulk of healthcare worldwide. Yet the ability to routinely image and diagnose lymphatic dysfunction, using commonly available clinical imaging modalities, has been lacking and as a result, the development of effective treatment strategies suffers. Nearly two decades ago, investigational near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging and ICG lymphography were developed as routine diagnostic for clinically evaluating, quantifying, and treating lymphatic dysfunction in cancer-related and primary lymphedema, chronic venous disease, and more recently, autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we provide an overview of what these non-invasive technologies have taught us about lymphatic (dys) function and anatomy in human studies and in corollary animal studies of human disease. We summarize by commenting on new impactful clinical frontiers in lymphatic science that remain to be facilitated by imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M. Sevick-Muraca
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Caroline E. Fife
- Department of Geriatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - John C. Rasmussen
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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Crescenzi R, Donahue PM, Garza M, Patel NJ, Lee C, Guerreso K, Hall G, Luo Y, Chen SC, Herbst KL, Pridmore M, Aday AW, Beckman JA, Donahue MJ. Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Edema in Lipedema Revealed by Noninvasive 3T MR Lymphangiography. J Magn Reson Imaging 2023; 57:598-608. [PMID: 35657120 PMCID: PMC9718889 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipedema exhibits excessive lower-extremity subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) deposition, which is frequently misidentified as obesity until lymphedema presents. MR lymphangiography may have relevance to distinguish lipedema from obesity or lymphedema. HYPOTHESIS Hyperintensity profiles on 3T MR lymphangiography can identify distinct features consistent with SAT edema in participants with lipedema. STUDY TYPE Prospective cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS Participants (48 females, matched for age [mean = 44.8 years]) with lipedema (n = 14), lipedema with lymphedema (LWL, n = 12), cancer treatment-related lymphedema (lymphedema, n = 8), and controls without these conditions (n = 14). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3T MR lymphangiography (nontracer 3D turbo-spin-echo). ASSESSMENT Review of lymphangiograms in lower extremities by three radiologists was performed independently. Spatial patterns of hyperintense signal within the SAT were scored for extravascular (focal, diffuse, or not apparent) and vascular (linear, dilated, or not apparent) image features. STATISTICAL TESTS Interreader reliability was computed using Fleiss Kappa. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate the proportion of image features between study groups. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between image features and study groups. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of SAT extravascular and vascular features was reported in groups compared to lipedema. The threshold of statistical significance was P < 0.05. RESULTS Reliable agreement was demonstrated between three independent, blinded reviewers (P < 0.001). The frequency of SAT hyperintensities in participants with lipedema (36% focal, 36% diffuse), LWL (42% focal, 33% diffuse), lymphedema (62% focal, 38% diffuse), and controls (43% focal, 0% diffuse) was significantly distinct. Compared with lipedema, SAT hyperintensities were less frequent in controls (focal: OR = 0.63, CI = 0.11-3.41; diffuse: OR = 0.05, CI = 0.00-1.27), similar in LWL (focal: OR = 1.29, CI = 0.19-8.89; diffuse: OR = 1.05, CI = 0.15-7.61), and more frequent in lymphedema (focal: OR = 9.00, CI = 0.30-274.12; diffuse: OR = 5.73, CI = 0.18-186.84). DATA CONCLUSION Noninvasive MR lymphangiography identifies distinct signal patterns indicating SAT edema and lymphatic load in participants with lipedema. EVIDENCE LEVEL 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle Crescenzi
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Paula M.C. Donahue
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Dayani Center for Health and Wellness, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Maria Garza
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Niral J. Patel
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Chelsea Lee
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kelsey Guerreso
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Greg Hall
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yu Luo
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sheau-Chiann Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Michael Pridmore
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Aaron W. Aday
- Vanderbilt Translational and Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Joshua A. Beckman
- Vanderbilt Translational and Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Manus J. Donahue
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Maita K, Garcia JP, Torres RA, Avila FR, Kaplan JL, Lu X, Manrique OJ, Ciudad P, Forte AJ. Imaging biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment response in patients with lymphedema. Biomark Med 2022; 16:303-316. [PMID: 35176878 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2021-0487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphedema is defined as a dysfunction of the lymphatic system producing an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the surrounding tissue, as well as edema and fibrosis. A total of 250 million people worldwide are affected by this condition. Greater than 99% of these cases are related to a secondary cause. As there is a lack of curative therapy, the goal involves early diagnosis, in order to prevent the progression of the disease. Additionally, early diagnosis can aid in decreasing the demand for more complex surgical procedures. Currently, there is an impressive breadth of diagnostic tests available for these patients. We aimed to review the available literature in relation to the utilization of imaging biomarkers for the early diagnosis and treatment response in lymphedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Maita
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - John P Garcia
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Ricardo A Torres
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Francisco R Avila
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Jamie L Kaplan
- Division of General Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Xiaona Lu
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Oscar J Manrique
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Pedro Ciudad
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Burn Surgery, Arzobispo Loayza National Hospital, Lima, Peru
| | - Antonio J Forte
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
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Kim G, Donohoe K, Smith MP, Hamaguchi R, Johnson AR, Singhal D, Tsai LL. Use of non-contrast MR in diagnosing secondary lymphedema of the upper extremities. Clin Imaging 2021; 80:400-405. [PMID: 34534773 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2021.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study is to determine if a combination of dermal thickening and subcutaneous fluid honeycombing on non-contrast MRI, termed the dermal rim sign (DRS), can be diagnostically analogous to dermal backflow seen on lymphoscintigraphy in patients with secondary upper extremity lymphedema. MATERIALS AND METHODS Upper extremity MRI and lymphoscintigraphy were performed on patients referred to a multidisciplinary lymphedema clinic for suspicion of secondary lymphedema. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of DRS on MRI in detecting dermal backflow on lymphoscintigraphy and the correlation between DRS, Indocyanine Green (ICG) lymphography, bioimpedence L-Dex® ratio and MRI Lymphedema Staging were calculated. Weighted interobserver agreements on the presence and location of DRS on MRI were calculated. RESULTS Of the 45 patients in the study, 91.1% (41/45) of patients had history of breast cancer. The average age was 58.4 ± 10.5 years, with a mean symptom duration of 4.7 ± 4.4 years. The mean BMI was 30.5 ± 7.0 kg/m2. Interobserver agreement on the presence and the extent of DRS on MRI was 0.93 [95% confidence-interval: 0.80-1]. DRS was present in 97% (32/33) of patients who demonstrated dermal backflow on lymphoscintigraphy. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of DRS were 96.6% [81.7%-99.9%], and 75.0% [47.6%-92.7%], 87.5% [74.9%-94.3%], and 92.3% [63.1%-98.8%]. DRS was associated with severity on ICG lymphography and bioimpedance (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS DRS on non-contrast MRI is highly predictive of dermal backflow and correlates with clinical measures of lymphedema severity. DRS may be used as an independent diagnostic biomarker to identify patients who would benefit from dedicated exams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geunwon Kim
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Radiology, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, United States of America; Atrius Health, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466, United States of America
| | - Kevin Donohoe
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Radiology, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Martin P Smith
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Radiology, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Ryoko Hamaguchi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Anna Rose Johnson
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Surgery, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Dhruv Singhal
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Surgery, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Leo L Tsai
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Radiology, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, United States of America.
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7
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Wolfs JAGN, Qiu SS, Lobbes MBI, Bijkerk E, van der Hulst RRWJ, Keuter XHA. Visualization of Both the Superficial and Deep Lymphatic System of the Upper Extremity Using Magnetic Resonance Lymphography. Lymphat Res Biol 2021; 20:275-281. [PMID: 34491853 DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2021.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The lymphatic system consists of the superficial and deep lymphatic system. Several diagnostic methods are used to assess the lymphatic system. Lymphoscintigraphy and indocyanine green lymphography are widely applied, both showing disadvantages, such as a poor resolution and lack of field of view. Magnetic resonance lymphography (MRL) shows satisfactory temporal and spatial resolution. The aim of this study was to assess both the superficial and deep lymphatic system in the upper extremity of healthy subjects, using an MRL protocol. Methods and Results: Ten healthy volunteers underwent an MRL examination, using a three Tesla MRI unit. Water-soluble gadolinium was used as a contrast agent. MRL images were evaluated by an experienced radiologist on image quality, enhancement of veins and lymphatic vessels, and characteristics of the latter. Overall image quality was good to excellent. In all subjects, veins and lymphatic vessels could be distinguished. Superficial and deep lymphatic vessels were seen in 9 out of 10 subjects. Lymphatic vessels with a diameter between 0.9 and 4.3 mm were measured. Both veins and lymphatic vessels showed their characteristic appearance. Enhancement of veins was seen directly after contrast agent injection, which decreased over time. Lymphatic vessel enhancement slowly increased over time. Mean total MRL examination (room) time was 110 minutes (81 minutes scan time). Conclusions: The MRL protocol accurately visualizes both deep and superficial lymphatic vessels showing their characteristic appearances with high spatial resolution, indicating the MRL can be of value in diagnosing and staging peripheral lymphedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost A G N Wolfs
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Shan S Qiu
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc B I Lobbes
- Department of Medical Imaging, Zuyderland Medical Center, Geleen, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ennie Bijkerk
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - René R W J van der Hulst
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Xavier H A Keuter
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Cellina M, Gibelli D, Martinenghi C, Giardini D, Soresina M, Menozzi A, Oliva G, Carrafiello G. Non-contrast magnetic resonance lymphography (NCMRL) in cancer-related secondary lymphedema: acquisition technique and imaging findings. Radiol Med 2021; 126:1477-1486. [PMID: 34379302 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-021-01410-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-related secondary lymphedema (LE) is a widespread issue, which markedly affects patients' quality of life. Its diagnosis is mainly clinical since there is no consensus on the best imaging technique that should be used to assess this pathology. Even if lymphedema treatment has been traditionally conservative and mainly based on compressive bandages and decongestive therapy, new surgical techniques are proving their effectiveness in the management of the disease and made proper assessment and characterization of lymphedema necessary. In this scenario, non-contrast magnetic resonance lymphography (NCMRL) is acquiring an increasing role, as a non-invasive imaging technique, useful for the analysis of LE. NCMRL is an effective tool in diagnosis confirmation, in providing information about the structural changes of the affected limbs, in grading this disorder, and provides a guide for LE management and treatment planning. This article aims to provide an overview of the literature regarding this examination, analyzing the acquisition technique, the interpretation of the imaging findings and their usefulness, the advantages and limits of this technique, to help the radiologist approach this relatively new investigation in cases of cancer-related LE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Cellina
- Department of Radiology, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli, Piazza Principessa Clotilde 3, 20121, Milan, Italy.
| | - Daniele Gibelli
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Biomediche Per La Salute, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Martinenghi
- Department of Radiology, Ospedale San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20121, Milan, Italy
| | - Denisa Giardini
- Lymphedema Center, Nursing Home "La Madonnina", Via Quadronno, 29, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Soresina
- Lymphedema Center, Nursing Home "La Madonnina", Via Quadronno, 29, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Menozzi
- Lymphedema Center, Nursing Home "La Madonnina", Via Quadronno, 29, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Oliva
- Department of Radiology, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli, Piazza Principessa Clotilde 3, 20121, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Carrafiello
- Department of Radiology, Policlinico Di Milano Ospedale Maggiore | Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via Francesco Sforza, 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
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9
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Bourgeois P, Leduc O. Value of one additional injection at the root of the limb in the lymphoscintigraphic evaluation and management of primary and secondary lower-limb lymphedemas. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253900. [PMID: 34242254 PMCID: PMC8270164 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The classical lymphoscintigraphic investigations of lower-limb lymphatic edema [LLLE] sometimes reveal either no or few lymph nodes [LNs] at the root of the limb[s] and/or in the abdomen. The aim of the present paper is to report the results of performing one additional injection at the root of the edematous limb[s] to force the visualization of the LNs and/or to demonstrate the collateral lymphatic pathways in such patients. Methods and findings We retrospectively reviewed our database and found 99 patients [44 primary LLLE with 47 limbs injected and 55 with LLLE secondary to treatments for cancer with 64 limbs injected] where such an additional injection had been performed. In the 43 LLLE patients where no LNs were seen at the end of the classical exam [15 primary LLLE and 28 secondary LLLE], the extra injection showed lymphatic drainage toward LN[s] in all except 3 and when at least one LN was seen, the injection showed lymphatic drainage in every case toward the same ipsilateral [inguinal and/or iliac] LNs [as shown by the classical injection] and/or toward additional LNs. In 40.7% of patients, we observed one or more additional lymphatic pathways: prepubic superficial lymphatic vessels [LV] crossing the midline anteriorly toward contralateral inguinal LNs in 21 [18.9%], “posterior” LV [toward contralateral inguinal LNs and/or ipsi- or contralateral lumbo-aortic and/or para-renal LNs] in 14 [12.6%], but deep LV toward the ipsilateral common iliac LNs passing between the gluteal muscles in 32 [28.8%]. Conclusion Our work pinpoints one limitation of classical bipedal radionuclide lymphangiography. In patients with primary and secondary LLLE where inguinal and/or iliac LNs cannot be seen on bipedal radionuclide lymphangiography, this additional injection reveals the true lympho-nodal status and shows unexpected collateral lymphatic pathways in 40% of cases. Such information is of the utmost importance in LLLE management and its acquisition is consequently recommended in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Bourgeois
- Services of Nuclear Medicine, Institute Jules Bordet and HIS-IZZ Hospitals, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Service of Dermatology, Hospital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Multi-disciplinary Clinic of Lymphology, Institute Jules Bordet and Hospital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Service of Vascular Surgery, HIS-IZZ Hospitals, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Olivier Leduc
- Multi-disciplinary Clinic of Lymphology, Institute Jules Bordet and Hospital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Physiology, Lympho-phlebology Unit, Haute Ecole HE2B ISEK, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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10
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Soga S, Onishi F, Mikoshi A, Okuda S, Jinzaki M, Shinmoto H. Lower limb lymphedema staging based on magnetic resonance lymphangiography. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2021; 10:445-453.e3. [PMID: 34463259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dermal backflow (DBF) and reduced lymphatic visualization are common findings of lymphedema on various imaging modalities. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how these findings vary with the anatomic location and severity of lymphedema, and previous reports using indocyanine green lymphography or lymphoscintigraphy show variable results. Magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL) is expected to clarify this clinical question due to its superior ability for lymphatic visualization. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the following: (1) Are there any characteristic patterns for DBF and lymphatics' visualization, depending on the anatomic location within lower limbs and severity of lymphedema? (2) Is it possible to classify the severity of lymphedema based on MRL findings? METHODS Two radiologists performed consensus readings of MRL of 56 patients (112 limbs) with lower-limb lymphedema. The frequency of visualized DBF and lymphatics was analyzed in six regions in each lower limb. The results were compared with the International Society of Lymphology clinical stages and etiology of lymphedema. Characteristic findings were categorized and compared with the clinical stage and duration of lymphedema. RESULTS DBF and lymphatics were observed more frequently in the distal regions than the proximal regions of lower limbs. DBF appeared more frequently as the clinical stage increased, reaching statistical significance (P < 10-3) between stages 0 or I and II. DBF above the knee joint was rarely observed (0.48%) in early stages (0 and I) but appeared more frequently (13.5%, P < 10-5) in stage II. Lymphatics appeared less frequently as the stage progressed, with significant differences (P < .05) between stages I and II and between II and III. The frequency of lymphatics above the knee joint decreased significantly (P < .05) between stages I and II and between II and III as the stage progressed, reaching 0% in stage III. An MRL staging was proposed and showed significant positive correlations with the clinical stage (r = 0.79, P < .01) and the duration of lymphedema (r = 0.57, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS MRL-specific patterns of DBF and lymphatics that depended on the site within the lower limb and clinical stage were shown. The DBF pattern differed from those observed in previous studies with other imaging techniques. The proposed MRL staging based on these characteristic findings allows new stratification of patients with lymphedema. Combined with its excellent ability to visualize lymphatic anatomy, MRL could enable a more detailed understanding of individual patient's pathology, useful for determining the most appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeyoshi Soga
- Department of Radiology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan; Department of Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Fumio Onishi
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan
| | - Ayako Mikoshi
- Department of Radiology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shigeo Okuda
- Department of Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Jinzaki
- Department of Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shinmoto
- Department of Radiology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
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