Summary: Appropriate Use Criteria for Lymphoscintigraphy in Sentinel Node Mapping and Lymphedema/Lipedema

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Medical Guidelines

Background:

• Lymphoscintigraphy is a key imaging technique for sentinel lymph node mapping and diagnosing lymphedema.
• Existing criteria for its use needed comprehensive review and standardization.
• Development of clear guidelines is essential for appropriate patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish evidence-based appropriate use criteria (AUC) for lymphoscintigraphy.
• To provide guidance for healthcare practitioners in the application of lymphoscintigraphy for sentinel lymph node mapping and lymphedema.
• To ensure the judicious and effective use of lymphoscintigraphy in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Convened an autonomous work group of expert representatives from 11 professional societies.
• Conducted a thorough review of existing literature and clinical practices.
• Developed comprehensive AUC, including detailed clinical scenarios and pediatric considerations.

Main Results:

• Published comprehensive AUC for lymphoscintigraphy on October 8, 2022.
• The AUC cover applications in breast, cutaneous, and other cancers for sentinel lymph node mapping.
• Guidelines also address lymphatic flow mapping in lymphedema, with pediatric considerations included.

Conclusions:

• The developed AUC provide a valuable resource for healthcare practitioners.
• These criteria aim to optimize the use of lymphoscintigraphy in clinical decision-making.
• Referencing the complete AUC document is recommended for detailed findings and scenarios.