[Interstitial T1-weighted MR lymph fistulography with Gadomer-17 in an experimental animal model].
OBJECTIVE
To visualize and localize fistulas of the thoracic duct with interstitial T 1 -weighted MR lymphography using Gadomer-17.


METHODS
In 10 domestic pigs, leaks of the thoracic duct were created surgically or interventional-radiologically. The lymphatic leakage was located within the abdominal portion of the thoracic duct in 5 pigs, within the thoracic portion of the thoracic duct in 3 pigs, and in both, abdominal and thoracic portions of the thoracic duct, in 2 pigs. Subsequently, 10 micro mol/kg KG Gadomer-17 (1.5-1.8 ml) was administered interstitially in both hind legs of the animals. MR lymphography was performed with a 1.5 T MR unit using two different 3D gradient echo sequences before and 10 - 90 minutes after administration of contrast material.


RESULTS
Leaks within the abdominal portion of the thoracic duct were directly visible as opacified fistulas. Indirect signs of active lymphatic fistulas were increasing extravasations of contrast material and free abdominal fluid. The 3D gradient echo sequence with the highest planar resolution (TR = 8,7 - 8,8 ms, TE = 4,2 - 4,3 ms, FA = 40 degrees, matrix size = 327 x 512) was best suited for distinct delineation of the lymphatic system and detailed demonstration of the thoracic duct fistulas. Intrathoracic leaks could not be demonstrated by MR lymphography due to reduced lymphatic flow or extravasated contrast medium at the abdominal puncture site.


CONCLUSIONS
Interstitial MR lymphography with Gadomer-17 allows sensitive detection and localization of abdominally located leaks of the thoracic duct.
Staatz
G
G
Klinik für Radiologische Diagnostik, Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen. staatz@rad.rwth-aachen.de
Spüntrup
E
E
Bücker
A
A
Vazquez-Jimenez
J
J
Liakopoulos
O J
OJ
Pflüger
D
D
Grosskortenhaus
S
S
Misselwitz
B
B
Günther
R W
RW
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005682:Gadolinium; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008220:Lymphography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013552:Swine; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000473:pathology
D003287:Contrast Media; C402765:gadomer 17; D005682:Gadolinium