Interstitial lymphangiography: initial clinical experience with a dimeric nonionic contrast agent.

Abstract

Interstitial lymphangiography performed with intradermal injection of a new nonionic dimeric contrast agent was used to examine 34 normal lower extremities and 35 lower extremities with proved lymphedema. An infusion pump was used to inject 2 mL of the contrast agent into the intradermal interdigital space at a rate of 0.1 mL/min. In all normal extremities, the injection deposit appeared homogeneous, and one to five lymph vessels could be identified. Diffusion of contrast agent into perilymphatic tissue occurred 30-40 cm proximal to the injection site; inguinal lymph nodes were, therefore, not routinely visualized. The findings at interstitial lymphangiography were abnormal in all extremities with advanced lymphedema. The results indicate that interstitial lymphangiography with the use of a nonionic dimeric contrast agent allows morphologic assessment of lymphatic vessels and facilitates the diagnosis of lymphatic obstructive disease.