CT Lymphangiography and Nonenhanced Magnetic Resonance Lymphangiography of Central Lymphatic Abnormalities in Patients with Central Conducting Lymphatic Anomalies

Abstract

Objective:

To investigate the diagnostic value of computed tomography lymphangiography (CTL) and nonenhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL) for central conducting lymphatic anomaly (CCLA).

Materials and Methods:

Clinical and laboratory examinations and imaging data of patients with CCLA diagnosed by lymphangiography between January 2017 and July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. CTL and nonenhanced MRL were performed for all patients. And the evaluation indices of CTL and nonenhanced MRL included lymphatic ducts and trunks. The differences in the presence of any imaging abnormality between CTL and nonenhanced MRL were statistically analyzed, and p < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results:

Forty-three patients had a greater percentage of nonenhanced MRL than CTL for the main trunk of the thoracic duct, the end of the thoracic duct, the main trunk of the right lymphatic duct, the end of the right lymphatic duct, the double subclavian trunk, and the iliac lymphatic vessels and a greater CTL display rate than did MRL for the intestinal trunk. Nonenhanced MRL in all CCLA patients revealed a tortuous and dilated thoracic duct trunk. Moreover, the end of the thoracic duct dilatation, increased number of branches, and cystic degeneration nonenhanced MRL were better than CTL. Right lymphatic duct dilatation nonenhanced MRL showed better than CTL, CTL showed intestinal trunk reflux better than nonenhanced MRL.

Conclusion:

CTL and nonenhanced MRL can be used to image the central lymphatic system. Nonenhanced MRL showing tortuous, and dilated thoracic duct trunk is one of the main diagnostic criteria for CCLA.