Ultrasonography (Jul 2023)

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

  • Joep J. J. Vullings,
  • Caroline van Schaik,
  • Jurgen J. Fütterer,
  • Chris L. de Korte,
  • Willemijn M. Klein

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14366/usg.22218
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 42, no. 3
pp. 466 – 473

Abstract

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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.

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