Lymphoscintigraphy - Beyond Lymphedema

Indian J Nucl Med. 2024 May-Jun;39(3):198-206. doi: 10.4103/ijnm.ijnm_20_24. Epub 2024 Aug 17.

Abstract

Lymphoscintigraphy is an established modality for imaging the lymphatic system using radiocolloids and is routinely indicated to find the cause of limb lymphedema. However, in this case series, we are highlighting other less-known indications of lymphoscintigraphy like chylothorax and chyluria which present as lymphatic leaks in the thorax and abdomen, respectively. Once the site of the lymphatic leak is established by lymphoscintigraphy, definitive management like thoracic duct ligation or sclerotherapy can be done. The other indication discussed is postrenal transplant perinephric fluid collection which can be challenging to confirm whether it is urinoma, lymphocele, or any other collection. And finally, sentinel lymph node localization is another, now, well-established indication of lymphoscintigraphy.

Keywords: Chyloptysis; chylothorax; chyluria; lymphocele; lymphoscintigraphy; sentinel node localization radiocolloid.

Publication types

  • Case Reports