Pulmonary dysfunction after lymphangiography

Pulmonary function tests were done on 15 patients before and after bipedal lymphangiography. Lymphangiography was associated with an approximate 10 per cent reduction in lung volume. This phenomenon persisted for 48 to 72 hours. The probable mechanism for this reduction is closure of terminal airways or alveolar ducts or both and is reversible by beta-adrenergic drugs. The reduction does not correlate with the severity of pre-existing pulmonary disease. The degree of pulmonary impairment can be assessed roughly by measurement of the vital capacity. An operation can be performed safely 3 to 5 days after lymphangiography.