[Value of exploring the deep lymphatic system of the lower limbs using lymphoscintigraphy. Preliminary study of 18 patients with arteritis].
Lymphoscintigraphy of lower limbs generally involves bilateral subcutaneous injection of a radioactive colloid into the first or second interdigital space: only the superficial internal saphenous pathway is visualized in this way (superficial lymphoscintigraphy: SL). However, the external saphenous and deep pathways can be explored by an external retromalleolar injection as demonstrated in radiology. Isotopic exploration of the external saphenous pathway and deep lymphatics (deep lymphoscintigraphy: DL) was carried out in 18 patients with arteritis also investigated by SL. The study forms part of a prospective trial of edema developing after femoro-popliteal shunts. The deep lymphatics are correctly and easily visualized, and in about 20% of cases there exist anomalies of distribution of superficial or deep lymphatic flow, morphologic anomalies developing postoperatively in one pathway only, or in both pathways. DL is a simple, reliable method of investigation of deep lymphatics, and complete exploration of lymphatics of lower limbs should include both SL and DL.
Clément
C
C
Service de Chirurgie vasculaire, Hôpital Robert-Debré, Reims.
Hannequin
P
P
Nicaise
H
H
Valeyre
J
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001167:Arteritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D061305:Lymphoscintigraphy; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D012211:Rhenium; D013671:Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid
C030406:technetium Tc rhenium-sulfur colloid; D013671:Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid; D012211:Rhenium
Intérêt de l'exploration du système lymphatique profond des membres inférieurs par lymphoscintigraphie. Etude préliminaire de 18 patients artéritiques.