Visualizing the lymphatic vessels and flow with high-resolution ultrasonography and microvascular flow imaging

PMID: PMID
DOI: DOI
Journal: Ultrasonography
Year of publication: 2023
Page: 42(3):466-473

J.J.J. Vullings, C.V. Schaik, J.J. Fütterer, C.L. de Korte, W.M. Klein

Imaging of the lymphatic system has always encountered difficulties, such as high costs, timeconsuming procedures, and low-resolution images. Each method of imaging provides its own challenges. The use of high-resolution ultrasonography (HR-US) and microvascular flow imaging (MVFI) may prove to be the most effective method for visualizing the superficial lymphatic vessels. This study investigated the utilization of HR-US and MVFI in imaging inguinal lymph nodes and vessels, as well as the innovative use of an intranodal saline injection that acted as a contrast agent. This technical note aims to demonstrate that HR-US and MVFI, in combination with an intranodal saline injection, are applicable to the dynamic imaging of superficial inguinal lymph nodes and vessels.

Keywords: Lymphangiography; Lymphatic abnormalities; Lymphatic system; Ultrasonography.