Abstract #0516

Langer M, Speck O, Foeldi E, Lohrmann C

Up to now lymphoscintigraphy has been the primary imaging modality in diagnosing patients with suspected extremity lymphedema. However, this method has the disadvantages of ionizing radiation exposure and poor spatial and temporal resolution, limiting its value for accurate assessment of the lymphatic anatomy and function. We present a new technique for visualizing non-invasively the lymphatic vessels and accompanying complications in patients with primary and secondary lymphedema. The method is not aimed at the depiction of lymph node morphology but can provide complementary information about the lymphatic vessels when lymph nodes are examined with super-paramagnetic iron oxide particles in cancer patients.