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Lymphatic imaging in experimental filariasis using magnetic resonance
T C Case1, E Unger, M J Bernas
1Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson.
Investigative Radiology
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effectively visualizes lymphatic abnormalities in ferrets infected with Brugia malayi filariasis. This technique, combined with lymphangioscintigraphy (LAS), aids in diagnosing lymphatic insufficiency.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Imaging
- Parasitology
- Lymphatic System Research
Background:
- Filariasis causes acquired lymphatic abnormalities.
- Peripheral lymphatic system changes in filariasis are not fully understood.
- Ferrets are a model for studying filariasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate lymphatic abnormalities caused by filariasis using MRI.
- To compare MRI findings with lymphangioscintigraphy (LAS) in filarial-infected ferrets.
- To assess the utility of MRI and LAS in diagnosing lymphatic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Whole body coronal MRI was performed on 15 ferrets (11 infected with Brugia malayi, 4 controls).
- MRI utilized a quadrature transmission-receive head coil at 0.5 Tesla.
- Findings were compared with prior lymphangioscintigraphy (LAS) images.
Main Results:
- Infected ferrets exhibited dilated hindlimb dermal lymphatic collaterals.
- Enlarged groin lymph nodes with characteristic signal intensities were observed in infected ferrets.
- MRI findings correlated with LAS, supported by microscopy, indicating nematode presence in lymphatics.
Conclusions:
- T2-weighted MRI and LAS accurately depict the peripheral lymphatic system in filarial-infected ferrets.
- These imaging modalities are valuable complementary tools for studying lymphatic insufficiency.
- The study highlights the effectiveness of MRI in visualizing filarial worm burdens within the lymphatic system.