Need for chest radiographs during and after lymphography

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Lymphography is an imaging technique used to visualize lymphatic vessels.
• Post-procedure imaging is sometimes performed to assess for complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical utility of routine chest radiography following lymphography.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 100 lymphogram cases.
• Analysis of immediate post-procedure and 24-48 hour follow-up chest radiographs.

Main Results:

• Routine chest radiography after lymphography yielded no clinically significant information.
• Follow-up films at 24-48 hours were also found to be non-informative in the absence of suspected complications.

Conclusions:

• Routine post-lymphography chest radiography is not indicated.
• Chest imaging should be reserved for patients with suspected complications from the lymphographic procedure.