Anomalies of thoracic lymph duct drainage demonstrated by lymphoscintigraphy and review of the literature about these anomalies

Abstract Aims To determine the frequency of supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes that receive lymph from the lower limbs and the intraabdominal organs. Methods Three hundred and thirty-four bipedal lymphoscintigraphy results of the lower limbs were reviewed. Results Lymph nodes were visualized in only the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of surgical oncology 2008-05, Vol.34 (5), p.553-555
Main Authors: Bourgeois, P, Munck, D, Sales, F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Axillary chylorrhea
Axillary node dissection
Axillary nodes
Breast
Chylous effusion
Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine
Humans
Intrathoracic nodes
Lower limb
Lymph Nodes - diagnostic imaging
Lymphoscintigraphy
Melanoma
Radionuclide Imaging
Review Literature as Topic
Surgery
Thoracic duct
Thoracic Duct - abnormalities
Thoracic Duct - diagnostic imaging
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Summary:Abstract Aims To determine the frequency of supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes that receive lymph from the lower limbs and the intraabdominal organs. Methods Three hundred and thirty-four bipedal lymphoscintigraphy results of the lower limbs were reviewed. Results Lymph nodes were visualized in only the supraclavicular/retroclavicular (SRC) area in 113 cases (33.2%, 109 on the left and 4 on the right), in only the mediastinum in 5 cases (1.5%), in the mediastinum and the left SRC area in 18 cases (5.5%), in the mediastinum and right SRC area in 2 cases (0.6%), in the mediastinum and both SRC areas in 6 cases (1.8%), and in the mediastinum and as 1 chain draining in the left axilla in 2 cases (0.6%). Conclusions Supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes associated with the thoracic duct and receiving lymph and/or chyle from the infradiaphragmatic body were demonstrated in 43.2% of our patients and in 11.1% of the cases these lymph nodes were not located in the left retroclavicular area. These data should be taken in mind by surgeons when confronting an intrathoracic and even extrathoracic supradiaphragmatic chylous effusion after surgeries which imply lymph nodes and/or lymphatic vessels.
ISSN:0748-7983
1532-2157
DOI:10.1016/j.ejso.2007.05.005