To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and image quality of interstitial digital subtraction lymphangiography (DSLA) in a porcine model, highlighting its potential impact on lymphatic imaging.
Key Findings:
Technical success achieved in 97% of limbs (29/30).
Image quality rated as good in 52% (n=15), fair in 38% (n=11), and poor in 10% (n=3) of limbs, with high interreader agreement.
Mean time to visualize superficial inguinal lymph nodes was approximately 75 seconds.
Contrast washout from distal lymphatic vessels occurred in under 34 minutes.
No major complications occurred; minor injection site edema resolved within 24 hours.
Interpretation:
Interstitial DSLA is a technically feasible, rapid, and safe method for visualizing peripheral lymphatic anatomy in a porcine model, suggesting potential for future clinical applications.
Limitations:
Small sample size of healthy animals limits generalizability.
Performance in disease states like lymphedema is unknown.
Image quality reliant on precise needle placement and variability in contrast distribution.
Limited visualization of central lymphatic structures, necessitating further investigation.
Conclusion:
The study suggests that interstitial DSLA could be a promising technique for lymphatic imaging, though further research is needed to assess its application in humans and various disease states.
