Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2025
Non-invasive Optical Imaging of the Lymphatic Vasculature of a Mouse
Published on: March 8, 2013
Intranodal dynamic contrast-enhanced CT lymphangiography and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography in
Yukichi Tanahashi1,2, Shinichi Shoda3, Hiroshi Kawada4
1Department of Radiology, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan. ytanahashi77@gmail.com.
Objectives:
To evaluate the feasibility and image quality of intranodal dynamic contrast-enhanced CT lymphangiography (DCCTL) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography (DCMRL) in microminipigs.
Methods:
Our institution's committee for animal research and welfare provided approval. Three microminipigs underwent DCCTL and DCMRL after inguinal lymph node injection of 0.1 mL/kg contrast media. Mean CT values on DCCTL and signal intensity (SI) on DCMRL were measured at the venous angle and thoracic duct (TD). The contrast enhancement index (CEI; increase in CT values pre- to post-contrast) and signal intensity ratio (SIR; SI of lymph divided by SI of muscle) were evaluated. The morphologic legibility, visibility, and continuity of lymphatics were qualitatively evaluated using a 4-point scale. Two microminipigs underwent DCCTL and DCMRL after lymphatic disruption and the detectability of lymphatic leakage was evaluated.
Results:
The CEI peaked at 5-10 min in all microminipigs. The SIR peaked at 2-4 min in two microminipigs and at 4-10 min in one microminipig. The peak CEI and SIR values were 235.6 HU and 4.8 for venous angle, 239.4 HU and 2.1 for upper TD, and 387.3 HU and 2.1 for middle TD. The visibility and continuity of upper-middle TD scores were 4.0 and 3.3-3.7 for DCCTL, and 4.0 and 4.0 for DCMRL. In the injured lymphatic model, both DCCTL and DCMRL demonstrated lymphatic leakage.
Conclusions:
DCCTL and DCMRL in a microminipig model enabled excellent visualization of central lymphatic ducts and lymphatic leakage, indicating the research and clinical potential of both modalities.
Key Points:
• Intranodal dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography lymphangiography showed a contrast enhancement peak at 5-10 min in all microminipigs. • Intranodal dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography showed a contrast enhancement peak at 2-4 min in two microminipigs and at 4-10 min in one microminipig. • Both intranodal dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography lymphangiography and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography demonstrated the central lymphatic ducts and lymphatic leakage.
Insights
Intranodal dynamic contrast-enhanced CT lymphangiography (DCCTL) and MR lymphangiography (DCMRL) in microminipigs showed excellent visualization of central lymphatic ducts and leakage. Both imaging techniques demonstrate significant potential for research and clinical applications in lymphatic imaging.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Lymphatic System Research
- Animal Models in Medical Research
Background:
- Accurate visualization of the lymphatic system is crucial for diagnosing and managing various medical conditions.
- Microminipigs serve as a valuable preclinical model for evaluating novel imaging techniques due to physiological similarities to humans.
- Intranodal contrast injection allows for targeted assessment of lymphatic pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and image quality of intranodal dynamic contrast-enhanced CT lymphangiography (DCCTL) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography (DCMRL).
- To evaluate the visualization of central lymphatic ducts and lymphatic leakage using DCCTL and DCMRL in a microminipig model.
Main Methods:
- Three microminipigs underwent both DCCTL and DCMRL following inguinal lymph node injection of contrast media.
- Quantitative analysis included measuring CT values (CEI) and signal intensity (SIR) at the venous angle and thoracic duct.
- Qualitative assessment evaluated the morphologic legibility, visibility, and continuity of lymphatic structures on a 4-point scale.
Main Results:
- Both DCCTL and DCMRL successfully visualized central lymphatic ducts, with peak contrast enhancement observed within 2-10 minutes.
- DCCTL showed peak contrast enhancement at 5-10 minutes, while DCMRL peaked between 2-10 minutes depending on the specific lymphatic segment.
- In a model of lymphatic disruption, both techniques effectively detected lymphatic leakage, highlighting their utility in identifying abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Intranodal DCCTL and DCMRL provide excellent visualization of the central lymphatic system and lymphatic leakage in microminipigs.
- These findings support the research and clinical potential of both DCCTL and DCMRL for lymphatic imaging applications.
- The study demonstrates the successful application of these advanced imaging modalities in a relevant preclinical model.
