[A preliminary study on MR lymphography with iron chondroitin sulfate colloid]

We investigated MR lymphography with iron chondroitin sulfate colloid, which was an intravenous agent for iron deficiency anemia. MR images (SE350/30) of the medial iliac lymph nodes were obtained before and after subcutaneous++ injection of this agent (2 mg Fe) on dorsal hindfeet bilaterally in five rabbits (3.0 kg weight). Signal intensities of the nodes were increased 5-15 minutes after the injection and the nodes were clearly identified in three of them. In the other two, increase in the signal intensity was not shown and any nodes could not be detected macroscopically at the investigated region on dissection. These results indicated the possibility of positive contrast enhancement of lymph nodes on MR imaging using iron colloid.