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Lymphatic Alterations Under Tattoos: Preliminary Reports of One Observational Study
Pierre Bourgeois1,2,3,4, Mirela Mariana Roman5, Justine Schweicher6
1Service of Dermatology, Hospital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology
|February 3, 2023
Summary
Near-infrared fluorescence imaging revealed alterations in lymphatic drainage under tattoos in 8 of 19 subjects. These tattoo-associated lymphatic changes may depend on limb, tattoo extent, and color, impacting clinical assessments.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Medical Imaging
- Lymphatic System
Background:
- Tattoo prevalence is rising in Europe, leading to increased tattoo-associated clinical complications.
- Tattoo inks are transported via lymphatic vessels to draining lymph nodes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize lymphatic drainage patterns beneath tattoos using near-infrared fluorescence imaging.
- To investigate potential alterations in lymphatic vessels after indocyanine green injection in tattooed areas.
Main Methods:
- Indocyanine green was injected intradermally into 20 tattooed areas across 19 subjects.
- Subjects included individuals with black, black and white, and multi-colored tattoos on upper and lower limbs.
Main Results:
- Imaging revealed lymphatic alterations in 8 subjects, with 7 having lower limb tattoos.
- Abnormalities appeared related to the tattooed limb, tattoo size, and color.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous lymphatic channels under tattooed areas frequently show alterations.
- Further research is needed to determine causal factors of these lymphatic changes.
- Lymphatic alterations should be considered in tattooed patients undergoing imaging for therapeutic or surgical evaluations.
