E2788. Utility of Radionuclide Lymphoscintigraphy in Patients with Extremity Edema: A Pictorial Review and its Multimodality Correlation
Authors
Pokhraj Suthar;
Rush University Medical Center
Sumeet Virmani;
Rush University Medical Center
Background
Evaluation and management of extremity edema is challenging for both the patient and the treating physician with lymphedema as one of the common causes of extremity swelling. Radionuclide lymphoscintigraphy can be effectively used to prove and/or rule out lymphedema as the cause of the swelling.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
The purpose of this case based pictorial exhibit is to highlight imaging spectrum of various findings of radionuclide lymphoscintigraphy in patients with extremity edema and clinical correlation.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
Our case-based multimodality pictorial review (15 cases) includes various patterns seen on both upper and lower extremity lymphangiograms. These include evaluating the number, course, symmetry, and intensity of lymphatic channels; timing related to visualization of draining regional nodes; number of regional nodes visualized; dermal backflow and its severity; abnormal collaterals as suggested by visualization of popliteal and epitrochlear nodes; leaks and malformations; and protocol with helpful Tips and Pearls during the study. Multimodality correlation is provided where available.
Conclusion
This multimodality pictorial review highlights various patterns of lymphatic obstruction that a nuclear radiologist should be aware of while performing the procedure and interpreting the images.
