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Aron A, Zavaleta C. Current and Developing Lymphatic Imaging Approaches for Elucidation of Functional Mechanisms and Disease Progression. Mol Imaging Biol 2024; 26:1-16. [PMID: 37195396 PMCID: PMC10827820 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-023-01827-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Study of the lymphatic system, compared to that of the other body systems, has been historically neglected. While scientists and clinicians have, in recent decades, gained a better appreciation of the functionality of the lymphatics as well as their role in associated diseases (and consequently investigated these topics further in their experimental work), there is still much left to be understood of the lymphatic system. In this review article, we discuss the role lymphatic imaging techniques have played in this recent series of advancements and how new imaging techniques can help bolster this wave of discovery. We specifically highlight the use of lymphatic imaging techniques in understanding the fundamental anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system; investigating the development of lymphatic vasculature (using techniques such as intravital microscopy); diagnosing, staging, and treating lymphedema and cancer; and its role in other disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Aron
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, 1042 Downey Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, 1002 Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Cristina Zavaleta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, 1042 Downey Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
- Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, 1002 Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
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Barbieux R, Doyenard S, Pluska A, Enciso K, Roman MM, Leduc O, Leduc A, Bourgeois P, Provyn S. Lymphoscintigraphy as a Therapeutic Guidance Tool Can Improve Manual Lymphatic Drainage for the Physical Treatment of Patients with Upper Limb Lymphedema: Randomized Clinical Trial. Lymphat Res Biol 2023; 21:594-600. [PMID: 37196203 DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2022.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of lymphoscintigraphically guided manual lymphatic drainage (LG-MLD) and to compare it with standardized manual lymphatic drainage (St-MLD). Materials and Methods: Fifty-two patients with lymphedema of the upper limb who underwent lymphoscintigraphy were randomly allocated into two groups. Following the phase of physical activity, the control group underwent two phases of St-MLD as the experimental group underwent a first phase of St-MLD followed by a second phase of LG-MLD. Areas of interest were then selected [in particular, dermal backflow (DBF) and axillary lymph nodes (LN)], radioactive activities were quantified for each of these areas. Results: If a first phase of St-MLD increased the LN activity by 28% on average, the findings indicated that for the second phase of DLM, LG-MLD was 19% more efficient than St-MLD in increasing LN activity. If a period of rest does not influence the lymph charge of DBF areas, physical activity leads to an average activity increase of 17%, whereas LG-MLD and St-MLD lead to an activity decrease of 11%. Conclusions: For patients with lymphedema, the findings indicate that MLD can increase the lymphatic flow toward the lymphatic nodes by 28% on average and can decrease the charge in the areas of DBF by 11% on average. Moreover, lymphoscintigraphy can be an important therapeutic tool because LG-MLD significantly increases lymphatic flow by 19% more than St-MLD. Concerning the areas of DBF, the LG-MLD and St-MLD decrease the charge in these areas with the same intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Barbieux
- De Department of Nuclear Medicine and Multi-Disciplinary Clinic Unit of Lymphology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
- Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy Faculty, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Sabrina Doyenard
- Lympho-Phlebology Unit, Department of Occupational and Environmental Physiology, Haute Ecole HE2B ISEK, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Agathe Pluska
- Lympho-Phlebology Unit, Department of Occupational and Environmental Physiology, Haute Ecole HE2B ISEK, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Keoma Enciso
- Lympho-Phlebology Unit, Department of Occupational and Environmental Physiology, Haute Ecole HE2B ISEK, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mirela Mariana Roman
- Department of Mammo-Pelvic Surgery, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Olivier Leduc
- Lympho-Phlebology Unit, Department of Occupational and Environmental Physiology, Haute Ecole HE2B ISEK, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Albert Leduc
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Pierre Bourgeois
- De Department of Nuclear Medicine and Multi-Disciplinary Clinic Unit of Lymphology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Steven Provyn
- Anatomical Research and Clinical Studies, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
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Tartaglione G, Ieria FP, Visconti G, Bartoletti R, Tarantino G, Aloisi D, Gentileschi S, Salgarello M. Rest/Stress Intradermal Lymphoscintigraphy for the Functional Imaging of the Lymphatic System. Clin Nucl Med 2022; 47:1011-1018. [PMID: 36183418 DOI: 10.1097/rlu.0000000000004422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Lymphoscintigraphy is the criterion-standard method for diagnosing lymphedema, and there is no universally standardized imaging modality. In our center, we use a new approach: rest/stress intradermal lymphoscintigraphy. METHODS We tested 231 consecutive patients with suspected lymphedema. All patients were studied after a complex physical therapy program to reduce edema. Two doses of 99m Tc-nanocolloid were injected intradermally. Two static planar scans were taken at rest following tracer injection. Next, patients performed an isotonic muscular exercise for 2 minutes followed by postexercise scans. Subsequently, a prolonged exercise was performed for 30 to 40 minutes, after which delayed scans were taken. Abnormal patterns were distinguished into minor or major findings, according to severity. RESULTS We identified superficial lymphatic vessels and regional lymph nodes in approximately 80% of limbs. Deep vessels were visualized in 26% of limbs. Minor findings were reported in 22.7% of limbs examined, whereas major findings were reported in 53.2% of limbs. CONCLUSION We observed major findings including lymph stagnation, extravasation, or dermal backflow in a significantly higher percentage of limbs with secondary lymphedema than in primary. We also observed the deep lymphatic pathways in a significantly higher percentage of limbs with primary lymphedema. Intradermal radiotracer injection, combined with isotonic muscular exercise, may offer a better and faster imaging of lymphatic pathways, evaluating the effects of muscular exercise on lymphatic drainage. Based on the in-depth information of the lymphatic pathways provided by rest/stress intradermal lymphoscintigraphy, microsurgeons can obtain important functional information to perform supermicrosurgical lymphatic-venous anastomosis or vascularized lymph node transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giuseppe Visconti
- Plastic Surgery, Lymphedema Center Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS
| | | | - Giulio Tarantino
- Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and Microsurgery, Careggi University Hospital, Florence
| | | | - Stefano Gentileschi
- Plastic Surgery, Lymphedema Center Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS
| | - Marzia Salgarello
- Plastic Surgery, Lymphedema Center Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS
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Liposuction in cancer-related lower extremity lymphedema: an investigative study on clinical applications. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:6. [PMID: 34986860 PMCID: PMC8729041 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-021-02472-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lymphedema is a progressive, noncurable condition consisting of increases in subcutaneous fat and interstitial fluid in the limbs and fibrosis during later stages. The disease most commonly affects the limbs following injury to or removal of the lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic outcomes of liposuction for cancer-related lower extremity lymphedema. Methods Sixty-two patients with cancer-related lymphedema in the unilateral lower extremity were recruited for this study, and all patients underwent liposuction. The volume of hemorrhage and lipids, the operation time, and the volume changes of the affected extremity were compared by applying the t tests, and the subjective feelings of patients were compared with the chi-square tests. Results The total lipid volume was 2539 ± 1253.5 ml, and the hemorrhage volume was 828 ± 311.8 ml. For the comparison of objective indices, (1) the percent volume differences (PVDs) before surgery, intraoperatively, and at the 3-month follow-up were 5.5 ± 12.2 vs. 11.6 ± 18.4 vs. 43.2 ± 23.7, P < 0.05, respectively; (2) greater lipid volumes and higher liposuction rates were observed for female patients, as was a smaller volume of hemorrhage; (3) greater hemorrhage volumes were observed in patients with a history of recurrent erysipelas; and (4) greater lipid volumes and liposuction rates (LRs) and smaller hemorrhage volumes were observed for stage II than for stage III patients. Conclusions Liposuction is an effective therapy for cancer-related lower extremity lymphedema. Sex, stage, and recurrent erysipelas history influence the course and effect of liposuction.
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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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Cibula D, Borčinová M, Marnitz S, Jarkovský J, Klát J, Pilka R, Torné A, Zapardiel I, Petiz A, Lay L, Sehnal B, Ponce J, Felsinger M, Arencibia-Sánchez O, Kaščák P, Zalewski K, Presl J, Palop-Moscardó A, Tingulstad S, Vergote I, Redecha M, Frühauf F, Köhler C, Kocián R. Lower-Limb Lymphedema after Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Cervical Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102360. [PMID: 34068399 PMCID: PMC8153612 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lower-limb lymphedema (LLL) is a well-recognized adverse outcome of the surgical management of cervical cancer. Recently, sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has emerged as an alternative procedure to systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLND) aiming to decrease the risk of complications, especially LLL development. Our study represents the first prospective analysis of LLL incidence in cervical cancer patients after a uterine procedure with SLN biopsy, without systematic PLND. In an international multicenter trial SENTIX, the group of 150 patients was prospectively evaluated using both objective and subjective LLL assessments in 6 months intervals for 2 years. Contrary to the expectations, our results showed that SLN biopsy does not eliminate the risk of LLL development which occurred in a mild or moderate stage in about 26% of patients with a median interval to the onset of 9 months. Abstract Background: To prospectively assess LLL incidence among cervical cancer patients treated by uterine surgery complemented by SLN biopsy, without PLND. Methods: A prospective study in 150 patients with stage IA1–IB2 cervical cancer treated by uterine surgery with bilateral SLN biopsy. Objective LLL assessments, based on limb volume increase (LVI) between pre- and postoperative measurements, and subjective patient-perceived swelling were conducted in six-month periods over 24-months post-surgery. Results: The cumulative incidence of LLL at 24 months was 17.3% for mild LLL (LVI 10–19%), 9.2% for moderate LLL (LVI 20–39%), while only one patient (0.7%) developed severe LLL (LVI > 40%). The median interval to LLL onset was nine months. Transient edema resolving without intervention within six months was reported in an additional 22% of patients. Subjective LLL was reported by 10.7% of patients, though only a weak and partial correlation between subjective-report and objective-LVI was found. No risk factor directly related to LLL development was identified. Conclusions: The replacement of standard PLND by bilateral SLN biopsy in the surgical treatment of cervical cancer does not eliminate the risk of mild to moderate LLL, which develops irrespective of the number of SLN removed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cibula
- Gynecologic Oncology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 12000 Prague, Czech Republic; (M.B.); (F.F.); (R.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-224-967-451
| | - Martina Borčinová
- Gynecologic Oncology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 12000 Prague, Czech Republic; (M.B.); (F.F.); (R.K.)
| | - Simone Marnitz
- Department of Special Operative and Oncologic Gynaecology, Asklepios-Clinic Hamburg, 22763 Hamburg, Germany; (S.M.); (C.K.)
| | - Jiří Jarkovský
- Data Analysis Department, Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Jaroslav Klát
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Ostrava, 70800 Ostrava Poruba, Czech Republic;
| | - Radovan Pilka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, University Hospital Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic;
| | - Aureli Torné
- Unit of Gynecological Oncology, Institute Clinic of Gynaecology, Obstetrics, and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic-Institut d’Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Ignacio Zapardiel
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Almerinda Petiz
- Serviço de Ginecologia, Instituto Portugues de Oncologia do Porto, 1099-023 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Laura Lay
- Department of Gynaecology, Institute of Oncology Angel H Roffo University of Bueno s Aires, Buenos Aires C1417 DTB, Argentina;
| | - Borek Sehnal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Bulovka, Charles University, 18081 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Jordi Ponce
- Department of Gynecology, Biomedical Research Institute of Bellvitge (IDIBELL), University Hospital of Bellvitge, University of Barcelona, 08908 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Michal Felsinger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 60177 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Octavio Arencibia-Sánchez
- Departments of Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospital of the Canary Islands, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain;
| | - Peter Kaščák
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty Hospital Trencin, 911 71 Trencin, Slovakia;
| | - Kamil Zalewski
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Holycross Cancer Center, 25-734 Kielce, Poland;
| | - Jiri Presl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Pilsen, University Hospital in Pilsen and Charles University, 30460 Pilsen, Czech Republic;
| | - Alicia Palop-Moscardó
- Gynecology Department, Instituto Valenciano de Oncologia (IVO), 46009 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Solveig Tingulstad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Trondheim University Hospital, 7030 Trondheim, Norway;
| | - Ignace Vergote
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospital Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Mikuláš Redecha
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Comenius University, 814 99 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Filip Frühauf
- Gynecologic Oncology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 12000 Prague, Czech Republic; (M.B.); (F.F.); (R.K.)
| | - Christhardt Köhler
- Department of Special Operative and Oncologic Gynaecology, Asklepios-Clinic Hamburg, 22763 Hamburg, Germany; (S.M.); (C.K.)
| | - Roman Kocián
- Gynecologic Oncology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 12000 Prague, Czech Republic; (M.B.); (F.F.); (R.K.)
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