Treatment Of Post-Operative Chylothorax: The Role Of Intranodal Lymphangiography And Thoracic Duct Disruption.

Thoracic duct embolization has been increasingly adopted as a first-line therapy of chylothorax and this procedure includes lipiodol lymphangiography, thoracic duct access and embolization. Lymphangiography itself has a therapeutic role, with volume-dependent success rates of 37%-97% and even a reported 100% success rate in outputs of < 500 mL/day. We present a clinical case of a 48-years-old man diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, who underwent esophagectomy and presented with post-operative high-output (> 1L/day) chylothorax; thoracic duct embolization was proposed. Even though thoracic duct access and embolization were not achieved due to technical and anatomical factors, lipiodol lymphangiography and possibly thoracic duct maceration (after several punctures/attempts) contributed to the clinical success of the procedure, and this chylothorax with output values superior to those reported in the literature resolved within three days. As such, the therapeutic role of intranodal lymphangiography and thoracic duct disruption should be taken into account.

Clinical application of magnetic resonance lymphangiography in the vascularized omental lymph nodes transfer with or without lymphaticovenous anastomosis for cancer-related lower extremity lymphedema.

Background: The recent increase in the number of patients with lower extremities lymphedema and the development of microsurgery techniques have led to a rise in lymphedema treatment. Vascularized omental lymph node transfer (VOLT), an emerging treatment modality for extremity lymphedema, has shown its unique advantages in reconstructing lymphatic circulation and absorbing exudated lymphatic fluid. Patients who underwent radical tumor resection with/without radiation therapy treatment often present with impairment or degeneration of the inguinal lymph nodes. For such cases, VOLT could provide adequate lymph nodes and tissue to absorb edema fluid in these areas. Therefore, we analyzed the operative outcomes of VOLT under the guidance of magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL) in this study, as this individualized and precise surgical procedure could benefit patients and improve their quality of life. Methods: From November 2021 to September 2022, a total of 14 patients' 19 legs with extremity lymphedema underwent a VOLT with or without lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA). Outcomes, including circumference reduction rates, preoperative and postoperative MRL results, and other complications, were analyzed. Results: The mean follow-up period was 8.86±1.41 months (range, 7-11 months). The mean circumference reduction rates {circumference reduction rate (%) = [1 - (postoperative affected limb - healthy limb)/(preoperative affected limb - healthy limb)] × 100%} of different planes (i.e., ankle, 10 cm above the knee, 10 cm below the knee, 10 cm above the ankle, and 20 cm above the knee) were 15.64%±40.08%, 11.79%±30.69%, 20.25%±24.94%, 7.73%±30.05%, -1.517%±16.75%. Notably, one patient had multi-drug-resistant gram-negative infections, which resulted in the loss of three flaps. The postoperative MRL showed improved lymphatic drainage and lower extremity volume in the remaining 13 cases. Conclusions: The precision evaluation of inguinal lymph nodes and lower extremities lymphatic system through MRL using VOLT can provide surgeons with a comprehensive understanding and reliable evidence for the treatment of cancer-related lower extremity lymphedema.

Therapeutic lymphangiography with ethiodized oil for the management of lymphoceles and chylous ascites.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the safety, technical success and clinical outcome of percutaneous intranodal ethiodized oil (Lipiodol®) based lymphangiography (L-LAG) for the management of refractory pelvic lymphoceles or chylous ascites using high doses of ethiodized oil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients presenting with symptomatic, refractory postoperative pelvic lymphocele or chylous ascites referred for theranostic, inguinal, intranodal L-LAG treatment between May 2018 and November 2021 were retrospectively included. There were 21 men and 13 women, with a mean age of 62.7 ± 16.2 (standard deviation) years (age range: 9-86 years), who underwent a total of 49 L-LAG for the management of lymphoceles (n = 14), chylous ascites (n = 18) or a combination of lymphocele and chylous ascites (n = 2). Clinical and radiological pre-interventional, procedural and follow-up data up to January 2022 were collected from patients' electronic medical records and imaging files. RESULTS: Technical success was obtained in 48 out of 49 L-LAG (98%). No complications related to L-LAG were noted. After one or more L-LAG, clinical success was obtained in 30 patients (88%) with a mean of 1.4 interventions per patient and mean intranodal injected volume of 29 mL of ethiodized oil per session. The remaining four patients (12%), with one or more failed L-LAG, underwent additional surgical intervention to definitively treat the postoperative lymphatic leakage. CONCLUSION: L-LAG using high doses of ethiodized oil is a minimally invasive, safe and effective treatment of postoperative pelvic lymphocele or chylous ascites. Multiple sessions may be needed to obtain a meaningful clinical result.

[Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with markedly improved chylothorax by lymphangiography].

Chylothorax is a rare clinical sign in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which is often challenging to manage and has a poor prognosis. We report the case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with right pleural effusion at the time of DLBCL diagnosis. Lymphadenopathy rapidly improved in response to chemotherapy. However, the pleural effusion progressed and was identified as chylothorax by thoracentesis. Because attempts to manage the condition with fasting and central venous nutrition were unsuccessful, we performed ultrasound-guided intranodal lipiodol lymphangiography from the inguinal lymph node. Although leak sites were not detected, the pleural effusion markedly improved on the day after the examination and resolved after 2 months. Lymphangiography is a minimally invasive examination with few complications. It contributes not only to the identification of leak sites but also to the improvement and resolution of chylothorax. Therefore, lymphangiography should be considered for refractory chylothorax that is unresponsive to chemotherapy or nutritional management.

Intranodal Lymphangiography With High-Dose Ethiodized Oil Shows Efficient Results in Patients With Refractory, High-Output Postsurgical Chylothorax: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intranodal lymphangiography (INL) with high-dose ethiodized oil in patients with postoperative refractory chylothorax. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A retrospective review of a cohort of 18 patients with refractory postoperative chylothorax seen between May 2015 and March 2019 was conducted. All patients underwent intranodal lymphangiography with high doses of ethiodized oil (mean, 75 mL; range, 40-140 mL). The following information was gathered from the institutional database: patient demographics, type of surgery, output volumes, interval between surgery and lymphangiography, imaging results, amount of ethiodized oil injected, clinical success, and time to resolution. RESULTS. Of the 18 patients, 11 (61%) had previously undergone thoracic duct ligation, and seven (39%) had not. A lymphatic leak was confirmed by lymphangiography in 12 of 18 patients (67%). A total of five patients underwent a second session of INL, which was successful in three of the patients (60%). Removal of all chest tubes was possible in 15 of 18 patients (83%) after a mean of 12 days (range, 1-25 days). Two patients had an anastomotic leak develop after esophagectomy and died with their chest tubes in situ. One patient underwent thoracic duct ligation after two failed INL procedures. No complications were recorded. CONCLUSION. INL with a high dose of injected ethiodized oil is a safe and effective procedure for the management of postsurgical refractory chylothorax, with chest tube removal in 83% of patients.

Radiological management of postoperative lymphorrhea.

PURPOSE: Postoperative lymphorrhea can occur after different surgical procedures and may prolong the hospital stay due to the need for specific treatment. In this work, the therapeutic significance of the radiological management of postoperative lymphorrhea was assessed and illustrated. METHOD: A standardized search of the literature was performed in PubMed applying the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) term "lymphangiography." For the review, the inclusion criterion was "studies with original data on Lipiodol-based Conventional Lymphangiography (CL) with subsequent Percutaneous Lymphatic Intervention (PLI)." Different exclusion criteria were defined (e.g., studies with <15 patients). The collected data comprised of clinical background and indications, procedural aspects and types of PLI, and outcomes. In the form of a pictorial essay, each author illustrated a clinical case with CL and/or PLI. RESULTS: Seven studies (corresponding to evidence level 4 [Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine]) accounting for 196 patients were included in the synthesis and analysis of data. Preceding surgery resulting in postoperative lymphorrhea included different surgical procedures such as extended oncologic surgery or vascular surgery. Central (e.g., chylothorax) and peripheral (e.g., lymphocele) types of postoperative lymphorrhea with a drainage volume of 100-4000 ml/day underwent CL with subsequent PLI. The intervals between "preceding surgery and CL" and between "CL and PLI" were 2-330 days and 0-5 days, respectively. CL was performed before PLI to visualize the lymphatic pathology (e.g., leakage point or inflow lymph ducts), applying fluoroscopy, radiography, and/or computed tomography (CT). In total, seven different types of PLI were identified: (1) thoracic duct (or thoracic inflow lymph duct) embolization, (2) thoracic duct (or thoracic inflow lymph duct) maceration, (3) leakage point direct embolization, (4) inflow lymph node interstitial embolization, (5) inflow lymph duct (other than thoracic) embolization, (6) inflow lymph duct (other than thoracic) maceration, and (7) transvenous retrograde lymph duct embolization. CL-associated and PLI-associated technical success rates were 97-100% and 89-100%, respectively. The clinical success rate of CL and PLI was 73-95%. CL-associated and PLI-associated major complication rates were 0-3% and 0-5%, respectively. The combined CL- and PLI-associated 30-day mortality rate was 0%, and the overall mortality rate was 3% (corresponding to six patients). In the pictorial essay, the spectrum of CL and/or PLI was illustrated. CONCLUSION: The radiological management of postoperative lymphorrhea is feasible, safe, and effective. Standardized radiological treatments embedded in an interdisciplinary concept are a step towards improving outcomes.

A Single-Center Experience With Percutaneous Interventional Management of Refractory Chylous Ascites.

PURPOSE: Management of chylous ascites is poorly understood with no management guidelines. We retrospectively reviewed patients treated for chylous ascites at our institution to evaluate efficacy and safety of lipiodol lymphangiography and embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients underwent percutaneous interventional management of chylous ascites (average age 52.5 years, 3 female, 6 post-surgical, 1 pancreatitis) from 2012. All patients underwent lipiodol inguinal lymph node injection. Adjunctive glue embolization was performed if a leak was identified. Data were collected on the cause of chylous ascites, conservative management strategies, procedural details, and success. RESULTS: All patients had chylous ascites refractory to conservative management. Preprocedure lymphoscintigraphy identified a retroperitoneal leak in 6 patients. Seven patients underwent 12 lymphangiogram procedures; 8 were performed at our institution. Lymphangiography identified a leak in 5 patients (71%). Success was achieved in 2 patients (28%) treated at our institution after glue embolization following cannulation of the leaking lymphatic channels and 1 patient (14%) after lymphangiography alone for an overall success rate of 43% (3/7). Two patients (29%) were successfully treated after one procedure. Two patients (29%) unsuccessfully treated at our institution were referred to a specialized center in the United States. No 30 day post procedural complications. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, lymphangiography and embolization was a safe, relatively effective and minimally invasive method for treating medically refractory chylous ascites. Complex cases required referral to a specialized institution with resources unavailable at our tertiary care center.

Surgical reconstruction of primary genital lymphedema-long term therapeutic efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Primary genital lymphedema is caused by congenital lymphatic dysplasia, which is often accompanied by lymphedema of the lower extremities. A lack of effective diagnostics and treatments are available in clinical practice. The purpose of this study is to present the experience of surgical treatment of genital lymphedema and follow-up magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL) examinations. METHODS: The clinical records of 40 patients diagnosed with primary genital lymphedema between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical management of all patients consisted of complete excision of the edematous subcutaneous tissue and plastic reconstruction of the penis or scrotum. This involved excision of the affected tissue while retaining the scrotal septum, preserving the subcutaneous lymphatic tissue flap, turnover of the perididymis, and primary closure. All patients were examined by MRL to assess the extent of lymphedema pre- and postoperatively. The cosmetic results, recovery of sexual function, patient satisfaction, and complications are discussed. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients underwent surgical treatment. Scrotal hematoma (2.5%) and poor wound healing (5%) were encountered postoperatively. During follow-up period, no recurrence of edema occurred. The appearance of the scrotum and penis, as well as the sexual function was improved. MRL confirmed tissue edema and lymphatic malformation in the enlarged penis and scrotum preoperatively. In follow-up MRL, new formation or reopen of lymphatic drainage can be detect in 25 (62.5%) patients. All patients showed decreased area of dermal backflow. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment is necessary for genital lymphedema when swelling develops. The use of a retained scrotal septum and subcutaneous lymphatic tissue flaps can achieve improved morphology and function. MRL is a safe and accurate diagnostic imaging method for pre- and postoperative evaluation of lymphedema in patients undergoing lymphatic surgery.

The Use of Indocyanin Green for Peroperative Diagnostic of Chylous Ascites and Autologous Tissue Glue (Vivostat) for the Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Chylous ascites or chyloperitoneum can be caused by peroperative injury of the lymphatic pathways; the lymph is accumulated in the abdominal cavity. The incidence of chylous ascites varies according to the type of surgery and the extent of the lymphadenectomy. The first choice of treatment is a conservative procedure - total parenteral nutrition or a strict low-fat diet. If this fails, a surgical revision is indicated. However, this is often difficult due to postoperatively altered terrain and the chronic presence of pathological secretion in the abdominal cavity. The application of a fat emulsion or indocyanine green (ICG) to the lymphatic drainage area may help identify the lymph source. Nowadays, ICG is used in various clinical indications, e.g. evaluation of liver function, angiography in ophthalmology, assessment of blood supply to the tissues, search for lymph nodes in oncological surgeries. The advantage of ICG lymphography is the possibility of observing the source of the leak in real time directly during surgical revision. CASE REPORT: A polymorbid 66-year-old patient after radical oncogynaecological surgery with aortopelvic lymphadenectomy was postoperatively complicated by persistent, high-volume chylous ascites, not responding to conservative treatment. Therefore, we performed surgical revision of the abdominal cavity and successful treatment of the leak source using ICG peroperative lymphography and subsequent application of Vivostat autologous tissue glue to this area. CONCLUSION: High-volume consistent chylous ascites is not a frequent postoperative complication but it has a significant impact on the quality of life, nutritional status of the patient and further patient prognosis. The treatment is strictly individual. The first choice should be a conservative approach. Where that fails, a difficult surgical revision is indicated. Today, however, the surgeon can be helped by modern technologies such as fluorescent navigated surgery or treatment of the source with autologous tissue adhesives. The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study. The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedice papers.

A Canine Model for Lymphangiography and Thoracic Duct Access.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the technical feasibility of intranodal lymphangiography and thoracic duct (TD) access in a canine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five male mongrel dogs were studied. The dog was placed in the supine position, and the most prominent lymph node in the groin was accessed using a 26-gauge spinal needle under ultrasonography (US) guidance. If the cisterna chyli (CC) was not opacified by bilateral lymphangiography, the medial iliac lymph nodes were directly punctured and Lipiodol was injected. After opacification, the CC was directly punctured with a 22-gauge needle. A 0.018-in microguidewire was advanced through the CC and TD. A 4-Fr introducer and dilator were then advanced over the wire. The microguidewire was changed to a 0.035-in guidewire, and this was advanced into the left subclavian vein through the terminal valve of the TD. Retrograde TD access was performed using a snare kit. RESULTS: US-guided lymphangiography (including intranodal injection of Lipiodol [Guerbet]) was successful in all five dogs. However, in three of the five dogs (60%), the medial iliac lymph nodes were not fully opacified due to overt Lipiodol extravasation at the initial injection site. In these dogs, contralateral superficial inguinal intranodal injection was performed. However, two of these three dogs subsequently underwent direct medial iliac lymph node puncture under fluoroscopy guidance to deliver additional Lipiodol into the lymphatic system. Transabdominal CC puncture and cannulation with a 4-Fr introducer was successful in all five dogs. Transvenous retrograde catheterization of the TD (performed using a snare kit) was also successful in all five dogs. CONCLUSION: A canine model may be appropriate for intranodal lymphangiography and TD access. Most lymphatic intervention techniques can be performed in a canine using the same instruments that are employed in a clinical setting.

Pediatric pulmonary lymphatic flow Disorders: Diagnosis and management.

Pulmonary lymphatic flow disorders involve the abnormal lymphatic flow via lymphatic channels to the lungs and pleural space. Plastic bronchitis and chylothorax are the main complications of this abnormal lymphatic perfusion, which has been termed pulmonary lymphatic perfusion syndrome (PLPS). Following lymphatic access, dynamic contrast MR lymphangiography is the imaging modality of choice to diagnose these disorders. Management includes medical therapy, percutaneous interventions under fluoroscopy, and surgical interventions.

A Canine Model for Lymphangiography and Thoracic Duct Access

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the technical feasibility of intranodal lymphangiography and thoracic duct (TD) access in a canine model.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five male mongrel dogs were studied. The dog was placed in the supine position, and the most prominent lymph node in the groin was accessed using a 26-gauge spinal needle under ultrasonography (US) guidance. If the cisterna chyli (CC) was not opacified by bilateral lymphangiography, the medial iliac lymph nodes were directly punctured and Lipiodol was injected. After opacification, the CC was directly punctured with a 22-gauge needle. A 0.018-in microguidewire was advanced through the CC and TD. A 4-Fr introducer and dilator were then advanced over the wire. The microguidewire was changed to a 0.035-in guidewire, and this was advanced into the left subclavian vein through the terminal valve of the TD. Retrograde TD access was performed using a snare kit.RESULTS: US-guided lymphangiography (including intranodal injection of Lipiodol [Guerbet]) was successful in all five dogs. However, in three of the five dogs (60%), the medial iliac lymph nodes were not fully opacified due to overt Lipiodol extravasation at the initial injection site. In these dogs, contralateral superficial inguinal intranodal injection was performed. However, two of these three dogs subsequently underwent direct medial iliac lymph node puncture under fluoroscopy guidance to deliver additional Lipiodol into the lymphatic system. Transabdominal CC puncture and cannulation with a 4-Fr introducer was successful in all five dogs. Transvenous retrograde catheterization of the TD (performed using a snare kit) was also successful in all five dogs.CONCLUSION: A canine model may be appropriate for intranodal lymphangiography and TD access. Most lymphatic intervention techniques can be performed in a canine using the same instruments that are employed in a clinical setting.

[Intranodal lymphangiography in pediatric chylothorax, a diagnostic and therapeutic tool]. / Linfangiografía intranodal en quilotórax pediátrico, una herramienta diagnóstica y terapéutica.

INTRODUCTION: High morbidity has been described in secondary chylothorax. Thoracic duct embolization (TDE) after intranodal lymphangiography (IL) is one of the treatments in adults but there is poor experience in children. We aim to describe our experience with this technique for refractory pediatric chylothorax. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with refractory chylothorax treated with thoracic duct embolization at our Institution in the last 4 years was performed. Lymphatic vessels visualization was obtained by intranodal lymphangiography with ethiodized oil. Demographic and clinical data as well as imaging findings were collected. RESULTS: A total of 4 patients were treated during the study period with a median of age and weight of 2.5 months (1-16) and 4.25 kg (2.8-10) respectively. Chylothorax was secondary to cardiothoracic surgery in 3 patients and to venous thrombosis in the other one. Medical treatment was provided during a median of 47 days (13-56) without benefit in thoracic output [median: 46 ml/kg/day (19-64)]. After IL, thoracic duct catheterization was achieved in one patient however embolization was not possible. Chylothorax stopped in the 3 post-surgical patients regardless of how much lymphatic visualization was achieved in IL. In the venous thrombosis patient surgical treatment was performed 6 days after the study. CONCLUSION: IL can be a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in children. Ethiodized oil seems to seal lymphatic leak in postsurgical chylothorax. IL could be an option for chylothorax in patients too sick for surgical treatment or in whom thoracic duct embolization is not feasible.

INTRODUCCION: El quilotórax secundario es una entidad rara con una alta morbilidad. La embolización del conducto torácico (CT) mediante linfangiografía intranodal (LI) con aceite etiodizado (AE) forma parte del arsenal terapéutico del quilotórax en el adulto. Presentamos nuestra experiencia con esta técnica en pacientes pediátricos con quilotórax refractario al tratamiento médico. METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes tratados en nuestro centro por quilotórax refractario con LI en los últimos 4 años. Se recogieron los datos epidemiológicos, clínicos, terapéuticos y linfangiográficos. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 4 pacientes, con unas medianas de edad y peso de 2,5 meses (1-16) y 4,25 kg (2,8-10) respectivamente. En 3 de los pacientes el quilotórax fue secundario a cirugía cardiaca y en el restante a trombosis extensa de vena cava superior. La mediana de débito fue de 46 ml/kg/día (19-64) y la de tiempo de tratamiento médico de 47 días (13-56). En todos ellos se realizó LI, opacificándose el CT solo en un paciente, sin lograrse la embolización. A pesar de ello, tras la LI, el quilotórax cesó en el grupo postquirúrgico independientemente del nivel de opacificación del árbol linfático. En el paciente secundario a trombosis, se realizó ligadura quirúrgica del CT 6 días después del estudio. CONCLUSIONES: La LI es una técnica diagnóstica e incluso terapéutica en casos de quilotórax refractario, que comienza a ser necesaria y realizable en centros con experiencia. El AE parece sellar la fuga linfática por un mecanismo embolizante en casos postquirúrgicos, eliminando la necesidad del cierre quirúrgico.

Imaging of central lymphatic abnormalities in Noonan syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Children with Noonan syndrome are known to have increased risk for lymphatic disorders, the extent and nature of which are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to describe the imaging findings of the central lymphatic abnormalities in children with Noonan syndrome who underwent central lymphatic imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective review of all children with a confirmed history of Noonan syndrome who presented for lymphatic imaging over a 5-year period. Imaging evaluation was performed on unenhanced T2-weighted (T2-W) imaging, dynamic-contrast MR lymphangiography or conventional lymphangiography. Two readers evaluated the imaging in consensus for the distribution of fluid on T2-W imaging and for lymphatic flow of intranodal contrast agent and thoracic duct abnormalities on dynamic-contrast MR lymphangiography and conventional lymphangiography. We performed a chart review for clinical history and outcomes. RESULTS: We identified a total of 10 children, all but one of whom had congenital heart disease. Presenting symptoms included chylothorax (n=9) and ascites (n=1). Nine had T2-W imaging, seven had dynamic-contrast MR lymphangiography, and seven had conventional lymphangiography. All with T2-W imaging had pleural effusions. On both dynamic-contrast MR lymphangiography and conventional lymphangiography, perfusion to the lung was seen (n=6), with intercostal flow also seen on dynamic-contrast MR lymphangiography (n=6). The thoracic duct was not present in three children and the central thoracic duct was not present in three. A double thoracic duct was seen in two children. CONCLUSION: Children with Noonan syndrome and clinical evidence of lymphatic dysfunction have central lymphatic abnormalities characterized by retrograde intercostal flow, pulmonary lymphatic perfusion, and thoracic duct abnormalities.

Lymphangiography and Post-lymphangiographic Multidetector CT for Preclinical Lymphatic Interventions in a Rabbit Model.

PURPOSE: To describe the feasibility of lymphangiography and the visibility of the lymphatic system using post-lymphangiographic multidetector CT (MDCT) for preclinical lymphatic interventions in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lymphangiography via the popliteal lymph node or vessel after surgical exposure was performed, using six healthy female Japanese White rabbits. Lipiodol was manually injected for lymphangiography. Post-lymphangiographic MDCT examinations were performed in all rabbits. The dataset images were subjected to image processing analysis utilizing the three-dimensional maximum intensity projection technique. Three reviewers evaluated the degree of depiction of the lymphatic system using a four-point visual score (1, poor; 2, fair; 3, good; 4, excellent). The distance between the body surface and cisterna chyli was measured on post-lymphangiographic MDCT axial image. RESULTS: Lymphangiography was successfully performed in all rabbits. The popliteal lymph node was detectable in 90%. The visualization of lymphatic system via the popliteal node was achieved in 89%. Mean visual scores of > 3.0 were realized by the right femoral lymphatic vessel, left femoral lymphatic vessel, left iliac lymphatic vessel, left lumbar lymphatic trunks and cisterna chyli, whereas mean visual scores of < 3.0 were yielded by the right iliac lymphatic vessel, right lumbar lymphatic trunks and thoracic duct. The distance between the body surface and cisterna chyli on post-lymphangiographic MDCT axial images was 4.33 ± 0.14 cm. CONCLUSION: Lymphangiography is feasible, and the visibility of the lymphatic system on post-lymphangiographic MDCT in a rabbit model provides enough information for interventional radiologists to perform preclinical lymphatic interventions.

Intranodal lymphangiography in the treatment of chylous ascites. / Linfografía intranodal en el tratamiento de la ascitis quilosa.

Chylous ascites is the presence of lymph from the thorax or bowel in the abdominal cavity. In Western countries, the most common causes of chylous ascites in adults are tumors, cirrhosis, and postoperative leakage, whereas the most common causes in children are congenital lymphatic anomalies and trauma. By contrast, in developing countries, infectious causes are responsible for most cases of chylous ascites. We present a case of chylous ascites secondary to acute necrotizing pancreatitis refractory to conservative treatment that was definitively resolved after intranodal lymphangiography with lipiodol. This is a safe and efficacious minimally invasive treatment for lymphatic leakage.

Chylothorax after hepatectomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Chylothorax is the accumulation of chyle within the pleural space. Chylothorax can occur as a complication after multiple different types of surgery, most frequently after thoracic surgery, albeit with an incidence rate of less than 1%. Chylothorax after abdominal surgery is extremely rare, and there are only a few case reports. CASE PRESENTATION: A 74-year-old Japanese woman presented with jaundice. She was diagnosed as having hilar cholangiocarcinoma and underwent right hepatectomy, caudate lobectomy, extrahepatic bile duct resection, and lymph node dissection after preoperative percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization. Postoperative liver function was normal. She developed chylous ascites on postoperative day 5, for which conservative treatment was initially effective. Dyspnea developed suddenly on postoperative day 42, and she had a massive right pleural effusion and a small amount of ascites. Management with pleural drainage, total parenteral nutrition, and octreotide injections decreased the chylothorax. However, the chylous effusion reaccumulated on postoperative day 57. As conservative treatments ultimately failed, lymphangiography was performed on postoperative day 62. Lymphangiography with Lipiodol (ethiodized oil) revealed extravasation into the pleural space, but the location of the leak was not identified. There was neither obstruction nor dilation of the thoracic duct. A lymphatic leak in her abdominal cavity was not demonstrated. A chest tube was placed after lymphangiography, and the chylothorax was diminished by postoperative day 71. She was discharged on postoperative day 72. Two and a half years after surgery, she is doing well with no evidence of recurrence of either chylothorax or cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Chylothorax can occur after hepatectomy and pleural effusion should raise suspicion for chylothorax. Lymphangiography may be effective for both diagnosis and treatment in the case of chylothorax after hepatectomy.

Devastating cerebral Lipiodol® embolization related to therapeutic lymphangiography for refractory chylothorax in a patient with Behçet's disease.

Onset of neurological symptoms early after intranodal lymphangiography can occur due to Lipiodol droplet migration through intrapulmonary lymphovenous communication. Patients with Behçet's disease may be at higher risk of developing this devastating complication.

Indocyanine green near-infrared lymphangiography for evaluation of effectiveness of edema fluid flow under therapeutic compression.

The commonly used modalities for therapy of limb lymphedema are manual lymphatic drainage, manual devices moving edema fluid and intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC). What seems to be necessary for validation of the effect of the compression procedure is imaging of the mobilized moving edema fluid. Picture of edema fluid flow would allow the therapist to use force adjusted to the tissue volume and stiffness differing in various limb regions as well as identify sites of abundant accumulation of fluid requiring more compression. The purpose of the present study was to visualize tissue edema fluid flow during manual drainage, Linforoll massage, IPC and bandaging. To obtain data how high compression pressures should be used to mobilize indocyanine green (ICG)-stained fluid, concomitantly tissue fluid pressure measurements were performed. The following observations were obtained: (1) the possibility of real-time observation of edema fluid movement using various compression modalities, (2) the threshold pressures necessary to move edema fluid to be over 80 mm Hg in the compression device and over 40 mm Hg in the tissue fluid and (3) inefficacy of compression in some cases despite applying high compression force. These observations point to the need of ICG lymphangiography before compression therapy in each patient. The images observed during the compression procedure give an insight into the distribution of edema fluid, sites of its accumulation and efficacy of applied external force on fluid mobilization.