title: Noncontrast Magnetic Resonance Lymphography.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Different imaging techniques have been used for the investigation of the lymphatic channels and lymph glands. Noncontrast magnetic resonance (MR) lymphography has significant advantages in comparison with other imaging modalities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Noncontrast MR lymphography uses very heavily T2-weighted fast spin echo sequences which obtain a nearly complete signal loss in tissue background and specific display of lymphatic vessels with a long T2 relaxation time. The raw data can be processed with different algorithms such as maximum intensity projection algorithm to obtain an anatomic representation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Standard T2-weighted MR images easily demonstrate the location of edema. It appears as subcutaneous infiltration of soft tissue with a classical honeycomb pattern. True collection around the muscular area may be demonstrated in case of severe lymphedema. Lymph nodes may be normal in size, number, and signal intensity; in other cases, lymph nodes may be smaller in size or number of lymph nodes may be restricted. MR lymphography allows a classification of lymphedema in aplasia (no collecting vessels demonstrated); hypoplasia (a small number of lymphatic vessels), and numerical hyperplasia or hyperplasia (with an increased number of lymphatic vessels of greater and abnormal diameter).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Noncontrast MR lymphography is a unique noninvasive imaging modality for the diagnosis of lymphedema. It can be used for positive diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and specific evaluation of lymphedema severity. It may also be used for follow-up evaluation after treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, AP-HP Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Antoine, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Lionel
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Arrivé
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, AP-HP Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Antoine, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Derhy
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, AP-HP Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Antoine, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Sanaâ
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: El Mouhadi
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, AP-HP Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Antoine, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Laurence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Monnier-Cholley
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, AP-HP Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Antoine, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Yves
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Menu
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, AP-HP Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Corinne
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Becker
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media; D003911:Dextrans; D006801:Humans; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology*; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D003911:Dextrans; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; C065507:ferumoxides