[Complications of lymphography. A propos of 5 cases]

Complications noted following lymphography have been published by several authors. The authors report here a series of 5 cases occurring in patients with mediastinal and lung cancer. They report the various clinical manifestations resembling fat embolism, the free interval and general signs, pulmonary, neurological, hematological and dermatological symptoms associated with inconstant laboratory abnormalities which permit one to suggest a complex pathogenesis: --Immuno-allergic (early shock due to circulating antibodies). --Mechanical and vascular: incomplete removal of low viscosity lipiodol by the pulmonary macrophage system permits liberation of micro-vascular emboli. --By abnormality of blood coagulation and the onset of a syndrome of widespread intravascular coagulation. Better recognition of the pathogenesis associated with the development of new therapeutic principles, should permit better prevention and control of these complications.