Evaluation of the lymph flow to the sentinel lymph node (SLN) in breast cancer using CT imaging

Background: Axillary nodal status remains the best survival predictor for patients with early–stage breast cancer. Accurate identification of sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the first step for biopsy. Purpose: To evaluate the lymph flow to SLN with Computerized Tomography using small volume of low molecular iodinated contrast medium. Material and Methods: Thin section and 3D CT images of the breast and axilla were acquired from 20 patients with early stage breast cancer. Images were acquired before subcutaneous injection of a small volume of water soluble iodinated contrast medium in the periareolar region and 1-7 minutes latter. Location of SLN and CT density were assessed at CT lymphography and the positive group was compared with negative one. Results: In all patients, CT lymphography allowed localization of SLN and its afferent lymphatic vessel, as well as measuring the contrast medium uptake and washout from SLN. The negative group presented grater and faster contrast medium uptake and washout compared to the positive one. Conclusion: CT lymphography provides good anatomical localization of SLN.