Radionuclide lymphangioscintigraphy in the evaluation of peripheral lymphedema.
OBJECTIVE
The primary difficulty in evaluating and treating peripheral lymphedema is visualization of the lymphatics. Functional lymphatic studies have been performed on patients with peripheral edema to diagnose lymphedema, to determine its severity, and to understand the varied drainage patterns.


METHODS
After intradermal injection in the hands or feet, initial flow and whole-body images were taken using Tc-99m human serum albumin in more than 700 patients with possible lymphedema.


RESULTS
Clear images of truncal lymph transport and draining lymph nodes were obtained, and pattern differences between primary and secondary lymphedema were seen. Follow-up studies showed any functional change in lymphatic dynamics.


CONCLUSIONS
Peripheral lymphatics can now be easily visualized. Because lymphangioscintigraphy can be performed before and after medical treatment, follow-up evaluation of patients with lymphedema is possible. The procedure is noninvasive, repeatable, easy to perform, and harmless to the lymphatic endothelium.
Williams
W H
WH
Department of Radiology, University of Arizona, Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson 85721, USA.
Witte
C L
CL
Witte
M H
MH
McNeill
G C
GC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008196:Lymph / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D061305:Lymphoscintigraphy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin; D014916:Whole-Body Irradiation
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin