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.

Lymphangiogenesis after nonvascularized lymph node transplantation: Lymphangiographic findings in mice and minipigs.

The establishment of new connections after NVLNT (non-vascularized lymph node transplantation) is still poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate lymphatic connections after NVLNT using lymphangiography. In a mice model, 40 mice were allocated to undergo NVLNT or sham surgery. On day 21 after NVLNT, the lymphatic vessels were observed on near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green. In a minipig model, 12 minipigs underwent NVLNT. On day 14 after NVLNT, the transplanted lymph node and donor site were checked by ultrasound, and minipigs with viable transplanted LNs were allocated to lipiodol lymphangiography or MR lymphangiography groups. Transplanted LN engraftment was examined with immunohistochemical staining. After NVLNT in mice, the signal intensities in the popliteal region at 3 minutes and 5 minutes were higher in the transplanted side than the control side (21.3 ± 8.1 vs. 11.0 ± 4.6 at 3 minutes, 26.7 ± 6.8 vs. 19.7 ± 5.9 at 5 minutes), while in the sham group, there were no significant differences between sides. In minipigs, lipiodol lymphangiography (n = 5) showed Lipiodol accumulation in transplanted LNs with innumerable newly formed lymphatic vessels and lymphovenous shunts. MR lymphangiography (n = 5) showed higher enhancement on the transplanted side compared to the control side. Histology showed successful engraftment of transplanted LNs in 16 out of 20 (80%) mice and 9 out of 12 (75%) minipigs. Omnidirectional lymphangiogenesis forming a dense lymphatic network and spontaneous formation of lymphovenous shunts were shown after NVLNT.

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.

Intranodal Lymphangiography and Embolization for the Treatment of Early Postoperative Lymphatic Leaks after Pelvic Surgery.

PURPOSE: To assess outcome and predictors of outcome after lymphatic embolization (LE) for early postoperative lymphatic leak after pelvic surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Lymphangiography (LG) procedures performed between May 2015 and February 2020 for postoperative intraperitoneal lymphatic leaks after pelvic surgery were reviewed. Treatment indication was lymphatic drainage of >500 mL/d persisting for >1 week. LE was performed by injecting glue into the iliac lymph node. Fisher exact and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used for comparative analysis, and logistic regression was used to assess predictors of outcome. RESULTS: LG was performed in 71 patients. A leak was demonstrated in 69 patients who underwent LE. The mean drainage was 1,329 mL/d ± 773. Catheters were removed in 49 (69.0%) patients after 1 procedure and in 69 (97.2%) patients after a mean of 1.3 procedures. The mean drainage at the time of catheter removal was 157 mL/d ± 100. Failure occurred in 12 (16.9%) cases, including 2 (2.8%) cases of unsuccessful catheter removal and 10 (14.1%) cases of catheter reinsertion owing to recurrent ascites (n = 3) and lymphoceles (n = 7). Older age and drainage of >1,500 mL/d were associated with failure (P = .004). Drainage of >1,500 mL/d was associated with a post-LE catheter dwell time of longer than 1 week (P = .024). Minor adverse events were noted in 4 (5.6%) patients who presented with transient leg swelling. CONCLUSIONS: LE was effective for treating pelvic surgery-related lymphatic leaks. Reintervention may be required. Drainage of >1,500 mL/d was associated with clinical failure and a post-LE catheter dwell time of longer than 1 week.

Thoracic Duct Lymphangiography via the Testicular Parenchyma in a Rabbit Model.

This study aimed to establish an animal model for thoracic duct lymphangiography using ethiodized oil. Thoracic duct lymphangiography was performed via the testes in 21 Japanese white rabbits. The testicular parenchyma was punctured by palpation using a 30-gauge, 0.5-inch needle. Ethiodized oil was injected at a rate of 11.41 mL/h until the testicular efferent lymphatic vessels were delineated and then at a rate of 2.85 mL/h until the entire thoracic duct was delineated. Thoracic duct delineation was 100% successful and showed good depiction based on visual scores. The mean ethiodized oil dose administered was 4.59 mL ± 1.41, and the mean time to visualize the entire thoracic duct was 43.7 minutes ± 14.1. The presented model may serve as a method for future preclinical investigation of the thoracic duct anatomy and for thoracic duct interventions.

Intranodal lipiodol injection for the treatment of chyle leak in children - a preliminary experience.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of intranodal lymphangiography using ethiodised oil (Lipiodol; Guerbet Japan, Tokyo, Japan) for the treatment of refractory cases of chylothorax and chylous ascites in the paediatric population. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2020, eight children having chyle leak resistant to conservative management underwent intranodal lymphangiography using lipiodol injection. After ethical approval by the Institutional Review Board, these patients' data were retrospectively analysed. Technical success was defined by opacification of inguinal and retroperitoneal lymphatics while injection on fluoroscopy. Clinical success was defined as progressively decreasing drain output and eventual cessation of output within a week after the procedure. Long-term follow up was done as feasible. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all the patients. Complete cessation of drain output was noted within 1 week of procedure in all patients indicating clinical success. One patient had recurrence of chylous leakage after an interval of 1 month and intranodal lymphangiography was repeated for that patient. The child had technical as well as clinical success after the repeat procedure. Hence a total of 9 procedures were performed in 8 patients. CONCLUSION: Intranodal lymphangiography may prove to be a valuable minimally invasive therapeutic tool in cases of refractory chylous leakage in paediatric patients with minimal risk of complications. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Intranodal lymphangiography using lipiodol may prove to be a minimally invasive alternative in paediatric patients with refractory lymphatic leaks.

Lymphatic-venous anastomosis for the treatment of refractory lymphatic ascites following radiation therapy: A case report.

Radical treatments for intra-abdominal malignancies disturb physiological lymphatic drainage and predispose the patients to lymphatic complications such as lymphatic ascites. Despite its infrequent occurrence, lymphatic ascites is a morbid complication, and a definitive treatment protocol for refractory cases has not been established. Surgical treatments are opted depending on the etiology, symptoms, and facility equipment. Lymphatic-venous anastomosis (LVA) bypasses the proximal lymphatic blockages and provides an alternative route for lymphatic fluid recirculation into the venous system, thereby improving the lymphatic congestion. Herein, we report the utility of LVA surgery in the treatment of refractory serous lymphatic ascites that developed after radiation therapy for cervical cancer in a 77-year-old woman. The patient had massive ascites and suffered from abdominal distention and anorexia for 1 year. The ascites was unresponsive to conservative treatment. Under local anesthesia, eight incisions were made in the lower extremities just above the lymphatic channels that were identified by indocyanine green lymphography, and a total of 14 LVAs were created. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the ascites improved significantly. The patient remained free from the recurrence of ascites during 3.5 years of postoperative follow-up. LVA surgery was effective for the improvement and long-term control of lymphatic ascites. This procedure may be a viable option for the management of lymphatic ascites.

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.

Glue Embolization of Lymphopseudoaneurysm for Chylous Ascites after Retroperitoneal Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of lymphopseudoaneurysm (LPA) glue (n-butyl cyanoacrylate [NBCA]) embolization in the management of chylous ascites after retroperitoneal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis from January 2014 to October 2018 was performed in six patients (4 females and 2 males; mean age, 45.3 ± 14.2 years; range, 26-61 years) who underwent LPA embolization for chylous ascites developing after retroperitoneal surgery involving the perirenal space (four donor nephrectomies, one partial nephrectomy, and one retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy). After placing a percutaneous drainage catheter into the LPA or adjacent lymphocele, embolization was performed by filling the LPA itself with a mixture of glue and Lipiodol (Guerbet). RESULTS: Daily drainage from percutaneously placed drains exceeded 300 mL/day despite medical and surgical treatment (volume: mean, 1173 ± 1098 mL; range, 305-2800 mL). Intranodal lymphangiography was performed in four of the six patients and revealed leakage in 2 patients. Percutaneous embolization of the LPA was successful in all patients using an NBCA and Lipiodol mixture in a ratio of 1:1-1:2 (volume: mean, 4.3 ± 1.1 mL; range, 3-6 mL). Chylous ascites was resolved and the drainage catheter was removed in all patients within 4 days after the procedure (mean, 2.0 ± 1.8 days; range, 0-4 days). No procedure-related complications or recurrence of chylous ascites occurred during a mean follow-up period of 37.3 months (range, 21.1-48.4 months). CONCLUSION: Glue embolization of LPA has the potential to be a feasible and effective treatment method for the management of chylous ascites after retroperitoneal surgery.

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.

Assessing breast lymphoedema following breast cancer treatment using indocyanine green lymphography.

PURPOSE: Breast lymphoedema is a largely unrecognised survivorship issue for women following breast cancer treatment. While a few objective methods have previously been applied to assess breast lymphoedema, none are capable of imaging breast lymphatics or identifying lymphatic morphological changes indicative of breast lymphoedema. The purpose of this study was to determine if indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography, a validated assessment technique in breast cancer-related lymphoedema), can visualise breast lymphatics and identify breast lymphoedema. Additionally, ICG lymphography was utilised to investigate lymphatic drainage pathways of the affected breast following breast-conserving therapy. METHODS: Twenty female participants (10 breast lymphoedema and 10 healthy controls) were recruited for this pilot study. All underwent a medical history, physical breast assessment, tissue dielectric constant measures of breast water content, and ICG lymphography. RESULTS: ICG lymphography identified lymphatic morphological changes in all breast lymphoedema participants (dermal backflow patterns = 10, collateral lymphatic drainage = 9) and none in the control group. The dominant lymphatic drainage pathway to the ipsilateral axilla was observed in all control participants but in only four breast lymphoedema participants. Collateral drainage pathways in the breast lymphoedema group were to: parasternal (6/10); contralateral axilla (4/10); intercostal (3/10); and clavicular (2/10) regions. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest ICG lymphography, through the identification of morphological lymphatic changes, is a potential qualitative objective assessment technique for breast lymphoedema. Furthermore, in this group of breast lymphoedema patients it identified changes to the normal drainage pathway of the breast. Understanding these changes will have implications for clinical management.

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.

Tissue Structure and Edema Fluid Events During Treatment of Lymphedema of Limbs with a Manual Pressure-Calibrated Device, Linforoll.

Background: Linforoll is a device composed of handpiece with roller and pressure sensor connected wireless to the computer displaying the pressure curve of the applied force. In a previous study, we proved it to regulate the applied force according to the hydromechanic conditions of the massaged tissues. Standardization of massage based on applied force was repeatable in the same patient; it decreased limb volume and provided evident increase in tissue elasticity. Methods and Results: In this study, we measured additional parameters useful for the understanding of tissue and fluid events and approval of the device for general practice. These were skin stiffness, subcutaneous tissue stiffness independent of skin, skin water concentration, changes in skin temperature, skin capillary blood flow, subcutaneous tissue fluid pressure, volume of the moved edema fluid, and visualization of movement on indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography. Measurements were done before and during the massage. The data were obtained from a group of 20 patients with obstructive lymphedema of lower limbs during the Linforoll massage. There was a lack of significant changes in skin stiffness, skin water concentration, skin surface temperature, and capillary blood flow, but evident increase in the subcutaneous tissue elasticity (tonometry) and lymphography-shown flow of the edema fluid. Conclusions: The skin tissue hydromechanic parameters remained normal proving lack of destructive changes under high massaging pressures. The obtained data evidently show that not the skin but the subcutis accumulated edema fluid that can successfully be moved proximally under pressures of 80-120 mmHg.

A new indocyanine green fluorescence lymphography protocol for identification of the lymphatic drainage pathway for patients with breast cancer-related lymphoedema.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer related lymphoedema (BCRL) is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Recently indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent lymphography has become a popular method for imaging the lymphatics, however there are no standard protocols nor imaging criteria. We have developed a prospective protocol to aid in the diagnosis and therapeutic management of BCRL. METHODS: Lymphatic imaging procedures were conducted in three phases. Following initial observation of spontaneous movement of ICG in phase one, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage was applied to facilitate ICG transit via the lymphatics in phase two. All imaging data was collected in phase three. Continuous lymphatic imaging of the upper limb was conducted for approximately an hour and lymphatic drainage pathways were determined. Correlations between the drainage pathway and MD Anderson Cancer Centre (MDACC) ICG lymphoedema stage were investigated. RESULTS: One hundred and three upper limbs with BCRL were assessed with this new protocol. Despite most of the patients having undergone axillary node dissection, the ipsilateral axilla drainage pathway was the most common (67% of upper limbs). We found drainage to the ipsilateral axilla decreased as MDACC stage increased. Our results suggest that the axillary pathway remained patent for over two-thirds of patients, rather than completely obstructed as conventionally thought to be the case for BCRL. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a new ICG lymphography protocol for diagnosing BCRL focusing on identification of an individual patient's lymphatic drainage pathway after lymph node surgery. The new ICG lymphography protocol will allow a personalised approach to manual lymphatic drainage massage and potentially surgery.

[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.

Therapeutic intranodal lymphangiography for refractory chylous ascites complicating acute necrotic pancreatitis.

Chylous ascites is a rare complication of acute pancreatitis. However, the incidence of intraperitoneal chyle leakage related to severe pancreatitis may be much higher. This is probably the result of direct damage to the cisterna chyli or its tributaries by pancreatic enzymes. In this case, conservative treatment failed to resolve the chyle leak. For the first time, to our knowledge, ultrasound guided therapeutic intranodal lymphangiography was shown to be a successful, minimally invasive treatment option in chylous ascites complicating acute necrotic pancreatitis.