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Mills M, van Zanten M, Borri M, Mortimer PS, Gordon K, Ostergaard P, Howe FA. Systematic Review of Magnetic Resonance Lymphangiography From a Technical Perspective. J Magn Reson Imaging 2021; 53:1766-1790. [PMID: 33625795 PMCID: PMC7611641 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical examination and lymphoscintigraphy are the current standard for investigating lymphatic function. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facilitates three-dimensional (3D), nonionizing imaging of the lymphatic vasculature, including functional assessments of lymphatic flow, and may improve diagnosis and treatment planning in disease states such as lymphedema. PURPOSE To summarize the role of MRI as a noninvasive technique to assess lymphatic drainage and highlight areas in need of further study. STUDY TYPE Systematic review. POPULATION In October 2019, a systematic literature search (PubMed) was performed to identify articles on magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE No field strength or sequence restrictions. ASSESSMENT Article quality assessment was conducted using a bespoke protocol, designed with heavy reliance on the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool for case series studies and Downs and Blacks quality checklist for health care intervention studies. STATISTICAL TESTS The results of the original research articles are summarized. RESULTS From 612 identified articles, 43 articles were included and their protocols and results summarized. Field strength was 1.5 or 3.0 T in all studies, with 25/43 (58%) employing 3.0 T imaging. Most commonly, imaging of the peripheries, upper and lower limbs including the pelvis (32/43, 74%), and the trunk (10/43, 23%) is performed, including two studies covering both regions. Imaging protocols were heterogenous; however, T2 -weighted and contrast-enhanced T1 -weighted images are routinely acquired and demonstrate the lymphatic vasculature. Edema, vessel, quantity and morphology, and contrast uptake characteristics are commonly reported indicators of lymphatic dysfunction. DATA CONCLUSION MRL is uniquely placed to yield large field of view, qualitative and quantitative, 3D imaging of the lymphatic vasculature. Despite study heterogeneity, consensus is emerging regarding MRL protocol design. MRL has the potential to dramatically improve understanding of the lymphatics and detect disease, but further optimization, and research into the influence of study protocol differences, is required before this is fully realized. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mills
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University, London, UK
| | - Malou van Zanten
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University, London, UK
| | - Marco Borri
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University, London, UK
- Department of Neuroradiology, King’s College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Peter S. Mortimer
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University, London, UK
| | - Kristiana Gordon
- Lymphovascular Medicine, Dermatology Department, St George’s Hospital, London, UK
| | - Pia Ostergaard
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University, London, UK
| | - Franklyn A. Howe
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University, London, UK
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Stan F, Gudea A, Damian A, Gal AF, Papuc I, Pop AR, Martonos C. Ultrasonographic Algorithm for the Assessment of Sentinel Lymph Nodes That Drain the Mammary Carcinomas in Female Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2366. [PMID: 33321917 PMCID: PMC7763578 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The status of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) is decisive in staging, prognosis, and therapeutic approach. Using an ultrasonographic examination algorithm composed of B-mode, Doppler technique, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and elastography, this study aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of the four techniques compared to histopathological examination. 96 SLNs belonging to 71 female dogs with mammary gland carcinomas were examined. After examinations, mastectomy and lymphadenectomy were performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of metastases in 54 SLNs. The elasticity score had the highest accuracy-89.71%, identifying metastases in SLNs with 88.9.9% sensitivity (SE) and 90.5% specificity (SP), ROC analysis providing excellent results. The S/L (short axis/long axis) ratio showed 83.3% SE and 78.6% SP as a predictor of the presence of metastases in SLN having a good accuracy of 81.2%. On Doppler examination, the resistivity index(RI) showed good accuracy of 80% in characterizing lymph nodes with metastases versus unaffected ones; the same results being obtained by CEUS examination. By assigning to each ultrasonographic parameter a score (0 or 1) and summing up the scores of the four techniques, we obtained the best diagnostic performance in identifying lymph node metastases with 92.2% accuracy. In conclusion, the use of the presented algorithm provides the best identification of metastases in SLNs, helping in mammary carcinoma staging and appropriate therapeutic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florin Stan
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Manastur Street, 400372 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (A.G.); (A.D.); (C.M.)
| | - Alexandru Gudea
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Manastur Street, 400372 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (A.G.); (A.D.); (C.M.)
| | - Aurel Damian
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Manastur Street, 400372 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (A.G.); (A.D.); (C.M.)
| | - Adrian Florin Gal
- Department of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Manastur Street, 400372 Cluj Napoca, Romania;
| | - Ionel Papuc
- Department of Semiology and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Manastur Street, 400372 Cluj Napoca, Romania;
| | - Alexandru Raul Pop
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Reproductive Pathology, Biotechnologies in Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Manastur Street, 400372 Cluj Napoca, Romania;
| | - Cristian Martonos
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Manastur Street, 400372 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (A.G.); (A.D.); (C.M.)
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Sever AR, Mills P, Hyvelin JM, Weeks J, Gumus H, Fish D, Mali W, Jones SE, Jones PA, Devalia H. Percutaneous removal of sentinel lymph nodes in a swine model using a breast lesion excision system and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Eur Radiol 2011; 22:545-50. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-011-2293-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Research Progress of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents. CHINESE JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s1872-2040(10)60438-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Sheng F, Inoue Y, Kiryu S, Watanabe M, Ohtomo K. Interstitial MR lymphography in mice with gadopentetate dimeglumine and gadoxetate disodium. J Magn Reson Imaging 2011; 33:490-7. [DOI: 10.1002/jmri.22422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Chronic lower extremity lymphedema: A comparative study of high-resolution interstitial MR lymphangiography and heavily T2-weighted MRI. Eur J Radiol 2010; 73:365-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2008.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2008] [Revised: 10/07/2008] [Accepted: 10/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Mounzer R, Shkarin P, Papademetris X, Constable T, Ruddle NH, Fahmy TM. Dynamic imaging of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes using a bimodal nanoparticulate contrast agent. Lymphat Res Biol 2008; 5:151-8. [PMID: 18035933 DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2007.5302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evaluation of lymphedema and lymph node metastasis in humans has relied primarily on invasive or radioactive modalities. While noninvasive technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offer the potential for true three-dimensional imaging of lymphatic structures, invasive modalities, such as optical fluorescence microscopy, provide higher resolution and clearer delineation of both lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels. Thus, contrast agents that image lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes by both fluorescence and MRI may further enhance our understanding of the structure and function of the lymphatic system. Recent applications of bimodal (fluorescence and MR) contrast agents in mice have not achieved clear visualization of lymphatic vessels and nodes. Here the authors describe the development of a nanoparticulate contrast agent that is taken up by lymphatic vessels to draining lymph nodes and detected by both modalities. METHODS A unique nanoparticulate contrast agent composed of a polyamidoamine dendrimer core conjugated to paramagnetic contrast agents and fluorescent probes was synthesized. Anesthetized mice were injected with the nanoparticulates in the hind footpads and imaged by MR and fluorescence microscopy. High resolution MR and fluorescence images were obtained and compared to traditional techniques for lymphatic visualization using Evans blue dye. RESULTS Lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels were clearly observed by both MRI and fluorescence microscopy using the bimodal nanoparticulate contrast agent. Characteristic tail-lymphatics were also visualized by both modalities. Contrast imaging yielded a higher resolution than the traditional method employing Evans blue dye. MR data correlated with fluorescence and Evans blue dye imaging. CONCLUSION A bimodal nanoparticulate contrast agent facilitates the visualization of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes by both fluorescence microscopy and MRI with strong correlation between the two modalities. This agent may translate to applications such as the assessment of malignancy and lymphedema in humans and the evaluation of lymphatic vessel function and morphology in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawad Mounzer
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
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Loo BW, Draney MT, Sivanandan R, Ruehm SG, Pawlicki T, Xing L, Herfkens RJ, Le QT. Indirect MR lymphangiography of the head and neck using conventional gadolinium contrast: a pilot study in humans. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2006; 66:462-8. [PMID: 16965993 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2006.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2006] [Accepted: 05/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate indirect magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MR-LAG) using interstitial injection of conventional gadolinium contrast (gadoteridol and gadopentetate dimeglumine) for delineating the primary lymphatic drainage of head-and-neck sites. METHODS AND MATERIALS We performed head-and-neck MR-LAG in 5 healthy volunteers, with injection of dermal and mucosal sites. We evaluated the safety of the procedure, the patterns of enhancement categorized by injection site and nodal level, the time course of enhancement, the optimal concentration and volume of contrast, and the optimal imaging sequence. RESULTS The worst side effects of interstitial contrast injection were brief, mild pain and swelling at the injected sites that were self-limited. MR-LAG resulted in consistent visualization of the primary lymphatic drainage pattern specific to each injected site, which was reproducible on repeated examinations. The best enhancement was obtained with injection of small volumes (0.3-0.5 mL) of either agent diluted, imaging within 5-15 min of injection, and a three-dimensional fast spoiled gradient echo sequence with magnetization transfer. CONCLUSIONS We found head-and-neck MR-LAG to be a safe, convenient imaging method that provides functional information about the lymphatic drainage of injected sites. Applied to head-and-neck cancer, it has the potential to identify sites at highest risk of occult metastatic spread for radiotherapy or surgical planning, and possibly to visualize micrometastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billy W Loo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5847, USA, and Department of General Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
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Misselwitz B. MR contrast agents in lymph node imaging. Eur J Radiol 2006; 58:375-82. [PMID: 16464554 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2005.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2005] [Revised: 12/26/2005] [Accepted: 12/30/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The detection of tumor metastases in lymph nodes is clinically important for tumor staging and therapy planning in cancer patients. However, differentiating between malignant and benign lymph nodes is still a problem because current imaging modalities rely only on the size and shape of the lymph nodes. Thus, small metastases in normal-sized lymph nodes can be missed, and it is difficult to differentiate enlarged nodes (benign hyperplasia versus malignant disease). Therefore, a specific lymphotropic contrast agent is needed to obtain a high contrast between functional and metastatic tissue. Contrast-enhanced MR lymphography is a noninvasive method for the analysis of the lymphatic system after interstitial (intracutaneous or subcutaneous) or intravenous application of contrast media. Interstitial MR lymphography using extracellular, liposomal, polymeric, lipophilic or particulate contrast agents results in high accumulation in regional lymph nodes. The systemic administration of a lymphotropic contrast medium is needed to address each individual lymph node. Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles are in late-stage clinical development for this indication, but they take 24h to show sufficient contrast. Recently, a gadolinium-type contrast agent (Gadofluorine M) was described that detected lymph node metastases within 60 min of intravenous injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Misselwitz
- Research Laboratories of Schering AG, CRBA Diagnostics and Radiopharmaceuticals, MRI and X-Ray Research, Müllerstrasse 178, D-13342 Berlin, Germany.
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Lohrmann C, Foeldi E, Langer M. Indirect magnetic resonance lymphangiography in patients with lymphedema preliminary results in humans. Eur J Radiol 2006; 59:401-6. [PMID: 16621396 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2006.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2005] [Revised: 02/12/2006] [Accepted: 02/17/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the feasibility of indirect magnetic resonance (MR) lymphangiography with intracutaneous injection of gadodiamide, a commercially available, non-ionic, extracellular paramagnetic contrast agent for the detection of lymphatic vessels in patients with lymphedema. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 2005, three patients with lymphedema of the lower extremities (1 primary, 2 secondary) were referred by the Foeldi Clinic for Lymphology for indirect magnetic resonance lymphangiography. 4.5 mL of gadodiamide and 0.5 mL of mepivacainhydrochloride 1% were injected intracutaneously into the dorsal aspect of each foot. MR imaging was performed with a 1.5-T system equipped with high-performance gradients. For indirect magnetic resonance lymphangiography, a 3D Fast Low Angle Shot (FLASH) sequence (TR/TE: 5.1/1.23; flip angle: 25; matrix: 448 x 448; bandwidth: 330 Hz/pixel; 6/8 rectangular field of view with a maximum dimension of 500 mm; slices: 88; voxel size: 2.0 mm x 1.0 mm x 1.0mm; acquisition time: 0 min 31 s) was used. RESULTS Indirect magnetic resonance lymphangiography depicted lymphatic vessels of the lower and upper leg, and inguinal lymph nodes in all three patients. After 5 min of contrast material application, concomitant venous enhancement was detected. Collateral vessels with dermal back-flow were seen in two patients. A lymphocele in the inguinal region with the afferent lymphatic vessel was depicted in one patient. CONCLUSION In the presented small study group, indirect magnetic resonance lymphangiography was technically feasible, and no complications were observed after intracutaneous injection of gadodiamide. Visualizing the lymphatic vessels and accompanying complications non-invasively and without the use of radiation, the presented method has the capability to become a routine diagnostic imaging tool in patients with primary and secondary lymphedema. The method is not able to characterize lymph node morphology, but could provide additional information about the lymphatic vessels when lymph nodes are examined, e.g. with super-paramagnetic iron oxide particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lohrmann
- Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany. lohrmann@
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Kobayashi H, Kawamoto S, Sakai Y, Choyke PL, Star RA, Brechbiel MW, Sato N, Tagaya Y, Morris JC, Waldmann TA. Lymphatic drainage imaging of breast cancer in mice by micro-magnetic resonance lymphangiography using a nano-size paramagnetic contrast agent. J Natl Cancer Inst 2004; 96:703-8. [PMID: 15126607 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djh124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of lymph node metastases is an important factor in breast cancer patient prognosis. Therefore, the precise identification of sentinel lymph nodes in these patients is critical. Improving current magnetic resonance (MR) imaging methods using a newly synthesized nano-size paramagnetic molecule, G6, as a contrast agent, provides an attractive means toward attaining this goal. METHODS A four-dimensional method of micro-MR lymphangiography using G6 (9 nm/240 kd) was developed to visualize the lymphatic ducts and lymph nodes draining mouse mammary tumors over time. The ability of micro-MR lymphangiography with the G6 contrast agent to visualize lymphatic drainage of normal mouse mammary tissue was compared with that of the conventional MR contrast agent, Gd-[DTPA]-dimeglumine (<1 kd). Lymphatic drainage in spontaneous and xenografted breast tumor models was visualized using the G6 contrast agent. RESULTS Draining lymphatic ducts and lymph nodes were clearly visualized in the mammary tissue of normal mice and in spontaneous and xenografted breast tumor models after a direct mammary gland or peritumoral injection of G6. Gd-[DTPA]-dime-glumine, by contrast, failed to depict lymphatic flow from the mammary tissue in normal mice using the same method. Micro-MR lymphangiography using the G6 contrast agent revealed the absence of filling in the metastatic foci of affected lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS The superior temporal and spatial resolution of micro-MR lymphangiography using the contrast agent G6 may facilitate the study of tumor lymphatic drainage and lymphatic metastasis in both experimental animals and clinical medicine. In addition, this may be a powerful new method for sentinel lymph node localization in human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisataka Kobayashi
- Metabolism Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1374, USA.
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Sardanelli F, Iozzelli A, Fausto A. MR imaging of the breast: indications, established technique, and new directions. Eur Radiol 2003; 13 Suppl 3:N28-36. [PMID: 15015878 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-003-0004-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F Sardanelli
- Diagnostic Imaging, Istituto Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
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