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Indirect lymph node lymphangiography using an iodine-based contrast medium and projection radiography following
A Dietrich1, M Wuttke, F Walter
1Clinic for General Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Thoracic Surgery, Leipzig University, Liebigstrasse 20a, Germany. dieta@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Background:
This study investigated the possibility of local lymph node detection and lymphatic mapping following submucosal injection of an iodine-based contrast medium.
Methods And Materials:
We established a contrast medium (oil/water emulsion on iodine basis) with a particle size of mainly 1.7+/-0.1 micro m. Ten rabbits received rectal submucosal injections of the contrast medium and underwent repeated projection radiography.
Results:
Passage of the contrast medium into lymphatic vessels and storage in lymph nodes was seen in all ten animals. The best contrast was achieved within 24 and 48 h after injection. Lymph nodes were still seen in eight cases with the final radiograph on day 14. There were no clinical side effects observed. Injection sites showed mild signs of inflammation in histological examinations. Pathological signs were not detectable in lymph nodes containing the contrast media.
Conclusions:
This method appears useful when investigating local lymph nodes following submucosal injection due to its passage into lymphatic vessels and storage in lymph nodes.