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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
06:25
Long-Term Catheterization of the Intestinal Lymph Trunk and Collection of Lymph in Neonatal Pigs
Published on: March 5, 2016
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) effectively visualizes the thoracic duct after lymphangiography, detailing its full path and variations. CT also detects non-opacified ducts, crucial for understanding thoracic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Anatomy
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The thoracic duct is a critical lymphatic vessel in the thorax.
- Understanding its normal anatomy is essential for diagnosing diseases of the posterior mediastinum and thoracic outlet.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the capability of computed tomography (CT) in demonstrating the normal anatomy of the thoracic duct.
- To assess the visualization of both opacified and non-opacified thoracic ducts using CT.
Main Methods:
- Lymphangiography was performed on 20 patients with normal chest films.
- CT scans were analyzed to evaluate the opacified thoracic duct from its origin to its venous confluence.
- CT was also used to assess the detection rate of the non-opacified thoracic duct in 80 patients.
Main Results:
- The entire opacified thoracic duct, including its arch, was easily imaged in all patients after lymphangiography.
- Variations in the duct's arch were noted.
- The non-opacified thoracic duct was visualized in part or totality in 81% (lower), 54% (mid), and 69% (upper) of subjects.
- The duct's arch was displayed in 57% of cases without opacification.
Conclusions:
- CT is highly effective in demonstrating the normal anatomy of the thoracic duct, both opacified and non-opacified.
- Knowledge of thoracic duct anatomy visualized by CT is vital for identifying pathologies in the posterior mediastinum and thoracic outlet.
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