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Non-invasive Optical Imaging of the Lymphatic Vasculature of a Mouse
Published on: March 8, 2013
Quantitative lymph imaging for assessment of lymph function using indocyanine green fluorescence lymphography
N Unno1, M Nishiyama1, M Suzuki1
1Division of Vascular Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan; Second Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan.
Summary
Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence lymphography shows promise for assessing lymphatic function. This imaging technique correlates well with dynamic lymphoscintigraphy, offering a potential new screening tool for lymphatic disorders.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Lymphatic System Physiology
- Diagnostic Techniques
Background:
- Assessing lymphatic function is crucial for diagnosing various medical conditions.
- Current diagnostic methods for lymphatic function can be invasive or impractical for routine screening.
- A non-invasive, efficient imaging technique for lymphatic assessment is needed for daily clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence lymphography as a diagnostic tool for lymphatic function.
- To assess ICG dye transit times in healthy subjects without leg edema.
- To compare ICG lymphography results with dynamic lymphoscintigraphy.
Main Methods:
- Subcutaneous injection of 0.3ml of 0.5% ICG solution into the dorsum of the foot.
- Visualization of ICG fluorescence using an infrared camera to track dye movement to the groin.
- Measurement of transit times to the knee (TT(K)) and groin (TT(G)) under various conditions (standing, supine, massage, cycling).
Main Results:
- Mean TT(G) in healthy volunteers standing was 357±289 seconds (right) and 653±564 seconds (left).
- All tested conditions, except standing, resulted in shorter TT(G) compared to the standing position.
- A significant correlation (r²=0.64, p<0.01) was found between ICG lymphography and dynamic lymphoscintigraphy transit times in 17 subjects.
Conclusions:
- ICG fluorescence lymphography demonstrates potential as an alternative lymphatic imaging technique.
- The method shows promise for assessing lymph function in clinical settings.
- Further research may establish ICG lymphography as a valuable screening tool for lymphatic disorders.