Non-enhanced MR lymphography of the thoracic duct: improved visualization following ingestion of a high fat meal-initial experience.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare the clarity of magnetic resonance lymphography (MRL) images of the thoracic duct (TD) obtained from subjects following an overnight fast with those obtained from the same subjects after ingestion of a high fat meal. METHODS: Nineteen healthy volunteers were included in this study. TD images were acquired on a 3·0T MRI system with the imaging sequence of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. TD MRL images were obtained from subjects following an overnight fast and from the same subjects 3-4 h after ingestion of a high fat meal. Images were displayed in maximum intensity projection format and degree of visualization was evaluated using a scoring system. RESULTS: The mean TD score obtained following an overnight fast was significantly lower than the mean TD score obtained 3-4 h after ingestion of a high fat meal (P<0·05). CONCLUSION: The clarity of TD MRL images is improved if subjects have ingested a high fat meal 3-4 h prior to examination.