Imaging of fetal lymphangiectasias: prenatal and postnatal imaging findings.
Pediatr Radiol
; 50(13): 1872-1880, 2020 12.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33252755
ABSTRACT
Lymphangiectasias are lymphatic malformations characterized by the abnormal dilation and morphology of the lymphatic channels. The classification and treatment of these disorders can be challenging given the limited amount of literature available in children. Various imaging modalities are used to confirm suspected diagnosis, plan the most appropriate treatment, and estimate a prognosis. Prenatal evaluation is performed using both prenatal US imaging and fetal MRI. These modalities are paramount for appropriate parental counseling and planning of perinatal care. During the neonatal period, chest US imaging is a useful modality to evaluate pulmonary lymphangiectasia because other modalities such as conventional radiography and CT display nonspecific findings. Finally, the recent breakthroughs in lymphatic imaging with MRI have allowed us to better classify lymphatic disorders. Dynamic contrast-enhanced lymphangiography, conventional lymphangiography and percutaneous lymphatic procedures offer static and dynamic evaluation of the central conducting lymphatics in children, with excellent spatial resolution and the possibility to provide treatment. The purpose of this review is to discuss the normal and abnormal development of the fetal lymphatic system and how to best depict it by imaging during the prenatal and postnatal life.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Lymphatic Vessels
/
Lymphangiectasis
/
Lymphatic Diseases
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Newborn
/
Pregnancy
Language:
En
Journal:
Pediatr Radiol
Year:
2020
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States