RADIONUCLIDE LYMPHANGIOGRAPHY IN EVALUATION OF PEDIATRIC-PATIENTS WITH LOWER EXTREMITY EDEMA - CONCISE COMMUNICATION

Abstract

The results of 99mTc-sulfur colloid lymphangiography in 7 pediatric patients with lower-extremity edema were reviewed. Three scintigraphic patterns were identified: normal uptake in the ilioinguinal nodes bilaterally, found in edema as a result of extrinsic venous obstruction; diffusely increased activity over the involved extremity, with decreased visualization of the ipsilateral ilioinguinal nodes, found in secondary lymphedema; and markedly decreased uptake by the ilioinguinal nodes on the affected side, found in primary (idiopathic) lymphedema. Radionuclide lymphangiography is apparently a useful procedure in the evaluation of pediatric patients with limb swelling.