The utility of dynamic contrast-enhanced intranodal magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL) in the investigation of primary lymphatic anomalies

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the technique of DCMRL to identify central lymphatic abnormalities in patients with primary lymphatic anomalies and discuss utility of the findings. Twenty-eight patients with primary lymphatic abnormalities underwent dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) following injection of gadolinium directly into inguinal lymph nodes at a tertiary lymphovascular referral center. Technical success was achieved in 23 patients (82.1%). Pathological imaging findings included obstructed, hypoplastic, or absent lymphatic channels with collateralization/rerouting or reflux of flow, lymphangiectasia, lymphatic pseudoaneurysms, and lymph leaks. Protocol modifications for improved imaging are highlighted including technical aspects of lymph node injection, image acquisition and MRI parameters. In two patients, imaging findings warranted embolization of the abnormal lymphatic channels with subsequent symptomatic improvement. DCMRL has been shown to be a safe, reproducible technique in patients with primary lymphatic anomalies enabling imaging of the central lymphatic system.