Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026
Non-invasive Optical Imaging of the Lymphatic Vasculature of a Mouse
Published on: March 8, 2013
Indocyanine Green Lymphography Findings in Limb Lymphedema
Mitsunaga Narushima1, Takumi Yamamoto1, Fusa Ogata2
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tokyo University School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Background And Methods:
Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography is one of several methods of lymphography to detect lymphatic channels and evaluate patients clinically with limb lymphedema. ICG imaging is made possible by the use of a near-infrared camera device. The fluorescence images were digitalized for real-time display.
Results:
ICG lymphography findings are largely classifiable into two patterns: normal linear pattern and abnormal dermal backflow (DB) pattern. ICG lymphography pattern changes from the normal linear pattern to abnormal DB patterns in obstructive peripheral lymphedema; with progression of lymphedema, DB patterns change from splash pattern, to stardust pattern, and finally to diffuse pattern. We classify ICG lymphography progression into 0 to V stages for the upper extremity, the lower extremity and into 0 to IV stages for the genital area.
Conclusion:
In DB stage II, most patients are symptomatic; thus, aggressive treatments, such as lymphaticovenular anastomosis, are indicated. In DB stages III to V, lymphaticovenular anastomosis is recommended because most patients are refractory to conservative therapies.
