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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Non-invasive Optical Imaging of the Lymphatic Vasculature of a Mouse
Published on: March 8, 2013
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography: feasibility study in swine
Yoav Dori1, Menekhem M Zviman, Maxim Itkin
1From the Division of Cardiology and Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th St and Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (Y.D.); Department of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md (M.M.Z.); and Division of Interventional Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (M.I.).
Dynamic four-dimensional (4D) contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography is feasible for visualizing the thoracic duct in swine. This technique offers a safe and effective method for imaging the central lymphatic system.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Lymphatic System Imaging
Background:
- The central lymphatic system, including the thoracic duct, plays a crucial role in fluid balance and immune function.
- Accurate visualization of lymphatic pathways is essential for diagnosing and managing various medical conditions.
- Current imaging techniques for the lymphatic system have limitations in dynamic assessment and spatial resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of dynamic four-dimensional (4D) contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) lymphangiography.
- To evaluate intranodal injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine for MR lymphangiography.
- To visualize the thoracic duct and assess contrast agent flow dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Five swine underwent MR lymphangiography following bilateral inguinal lymph node injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine.
- Nonenhanced T2-weighted MR sequences were used for initial imaging.
- Dynamic 4D contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR angiography was performed for 60 minutes post-injection.
- Images were reviewed by expert radiologists for thoracic duct visualization.
Main Results:
- The thoracic duct was visualized in 60% of animals on nonenhanced T2-weighted images.
- Thoracic duct visualization improved to 100% after contrast agent injection (P = .25).
- Contrast agent flow to the thoracic duct outlet occurred within a median of 244 seconds, with enhancement visible up to 1 hour post-injection.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic 4D contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography with intranodal gadopentetate dimeglumine injection is feasible.
- The technique provides good visualization of the central lymphatic system and its dynamic flow.
- This method appears potentially feasible and safe for imaging the lymphatic system using commercially available contrast agents.
