Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphography in the assessment of lower limb lymphoedema

R. D. White, J. R. Weir-Mccall, M. J. Budak, S. A. Waugh, D. A. Munnoch, T. A P Sudarshan*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Chronic lower limb lymphoedema is a debilitating condition that may occur as a primary disorder or secondary to other conditions. Satisfactory visualization of the lymphatic vessels to aid diagnosis and surgical planning has been problematic. Historically, direct lymphography was used to visualize lymphatic vessels, although the significant surgical risks involved led to this being largely abandoned as a technique. Technetium-99m lymphoscintigraphy has been the mainstay of diagnosis for over two decades, but is hampered by inherently poor temporal and spatial resolution and limited anatomical detail. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphography (MRL) is a relatively new technique that shows early promise in the evaluation of chronic lymphoedema. This article provides the procedural technique for lower limb MRL at both 1.5 and 3 T, discusses pathophysiology and classifications of lymphoedema, provides an overview of relevant lower limb lymphatic anatomy using MRL imaging, compares the various techniques used in the diagnosis of lower limb lymphoedema, shows common pathological MRL imaging findings, and describes alternative uses of MRL. Utilization of this technique will allow more accurate diagnosis and classification of patients suffering from lymphoedema.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e435-e444
Number of pages10
JournalClinical Radiology
Volume69
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2014
Externally publishedYes

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