title: Lymphoscintigraphy for Imaging of the Lymphatic Flow Disorders.
abstract: Lymphoscintigraphy has introduced with the great advantage for diagnostic imaging of the lymphatic flow disorders. Lymphoscintigraphy can be performed in patients of any age, including neonates, and even in patient in critical conditions. The procedure is quite simple, and it needs only subcutaneous injection of small amounts of radiotracers. From subcutaneous tissue the radiotracer is taken by the lymphatic vessels and gives off energy in the form of gamma radiation detected by a gamma camera. Radiotracers rarely cause the allergic reaction and can be administered to the patients with allergy to iodine contrast media. Comparing with the Lipiodol, radiotracers cannot cause pulmonary embolism; therefore, it is safe for the patients with respiratory dysfunction. The objective of this article is to describe the indication, technique, equipment, pitfalls, safety, and effectiveness of lymphoscintigraphy for imaging of the lymphatic flow disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan. Electronic address: yagir@hirakata.kmu.ac.jp.
authors.forename: Rie Yagi
authors.initials: RY
authors.lastname: Yoshida
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan.
authors.forename: Shuji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kariya
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan.
authors.forename: Sangkil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ha-Kawa
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan.
authors.forename: Noboru
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tanigawa
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D061305:Lymphoscintigraphy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals
keywords: Chylothrax; Lympatic leakage; Lymphatic flow; Lymphedema; Lymphoscintigraphy; Tc-99m albumin