Comparison of mesenteric lymphadenography performed via surgical and laparoscopic approaches in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether injection of a mesenteric lymph node with iodinated aqueous contrast medium results in radiographic delineation of the thoracic duct and its branches, ascertain the ideal interval between injection and radiographic imaging, and evaluate mesenteric lymphadenography performed via laparoscopic and surgical approaches in dogs.


METHODS
10 adult dogs.


METHODS
In each dog, a right paracostal laparotomy or a right laparoscopic approach was performed to identify a mesenteric lymph node for injection of an iodinated aqueous contrast agent (0.22 mL/kg [81.4 mg of iodine/kg]). Lateral radiographic views were obtained at 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 seconds after injection.


RESULTS
A mesenteric lymph node was identified and injected with contrast medium in each dog. Via paracostal laparotomy, lymph node injection resulted in successful lymphangiographic evaluation in 4 of 5 dogs, whereas via the laparoscopic approach, lymph node injection resulted in successful lymphangio-graphic evaluation in 2 of 5 dogs. In successful radiographic evaluations, injected lymph nodes, mesenteric lymphatics, and the thoracic duct and its branches were delineated. Radiographs obtained at 60 and 120 seconds after injection of contrast medium provided the most detail.


CONCLUSIONS
Injection of a mesenteric lymph node directly with contrast medium appears to be a feasible technique for delineation of the thoracic duct and its branches in dogs and might be useful in small animals in which mesenteric lymphatic catheterization can be difficult and lymphangiography is more likely to fail. Refinement of the laparoscopic technique may provide a minimally invasive approach to lymphadenography.
Brisson
Brigitte A
BA
Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
Holmberg
David L
DL
House
M
M
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004285:Dogs; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D007455:Iodine; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000379:methods* / Q000662:veterinary*; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013997:Time Factors
D003287:Contrast Media; D007455:Iodine