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MR lymphangiography at 3.0 Tesla to assess the function of inguinal lymph node in low extremity lymphedema
Guo-xing Zhou1, Xiao Chen, Jian-hua Zhang
1Department of Radiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Insights
Dynamic enhanced MR lymphangiography (MRL) reveals inguinal lymph node (ILN) function in lower extremity lymphedema (LEL). ILN functionality correlates with disease stage, drainage patterns, and duration.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Lymphatic System Research
Background:
- Lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) is a chronic condition affecting lymphatic drainage.
- Assessing inguinal lymph node (ILN) function is crucial for understanding LEL progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the functional status of ILNs in patients with LEL using dynamic enhanced MR lymphangiography (MRL).
- To correlate ILN function with clinical parameters of LEL.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-four LEL patients underwent MRL.
- Lymphatic drainage patterns were classified into four subtypes.
- ILN enhancement peak time and contrast ratios were measured post-contrast administration.
Main Results:
- All subjects showed dilated lymphatic vessels; four drainage patterns were identified.
- ILNs were visualized in 93.75% of patients.
- Peak enhancement time and contrast ratios correlated significantly with clinical stage, drainage patterns, and lymphedema duration (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- MRL is a valuable tool for assessing ILN function in LEL.
- ILN functionality is directly related to LEL's clinical stage, lymphatic drainage patterns, and disease duration.
Purpose:
To assess the function of inguinal lymph node (ILN) in low extremity lymphedema (LEL) with dynamic enhanced MR lymphangiography (MRL).
Materials And Methods:
Sixty-four patients with clinically diagnosed LEL underwent MRL examinations. The lymph drainage patterns were separated into four subtypes. The peak time to enhancement and the contrast ratio of the ILN were calculated 35 min following contrast agent administration.
Results:
Dilated lymphatic vessels could be observed in all subjects. Type I-IV drainage patterns were observed 25% (16/64), 45.31% (29/64), 17.19% (11/64), and 12.5% (8/64), respectively. The ILN in the edematous limbs could be observed in 93.75% (60/64) of subjects. The peak time to enhancement was correlated with clinical stages (P < 0.001) of the disease, lymph drainage patterns (P < 0.001), and the duration of lymphedema (P < 0.001). The contrast ratios were significantly different at each time point (P < 0.001) and significantly correlated with the lymphatic drainage patterns (P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
MRL could provide useful information for evaluating the functional status of the ILN. Data presented here demonstrate that the functionality of the ILN is related to the clinical stage of the disease, lymphatic drainage patterns, and the duration of lymphedema.
