Lymphangiography

General

Synonym/Acronym:
lymphangiogram.

Rationale
To visualize and assess the lymphatic system related to diagnosis of lymphomas such as Hodgkin disease.

Patient Preparation
There are no food, fluid, or activity restrictions unless by medical direction.

Regarding the patient’s risk for bleeding, the patient should be instructed to avoid taking natural products and medications with known anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or thrombolytic properties or to reduce dosage, as ordered, prior to the procedure. Number of days to withhold medication is dependent on the type of anticoagulant. Note the last time and dose of medication taken. Protocols may vary among facilities. Sedatives or antihistamines may be ordered for the patient prior to the procedure to facilitate relaxation and cooperation.

Normal Findings

• Normal lymphatic vessels and nodes that fill completely with contrast medium on the initial films. On 24-hr images, the lymph nodes are fully opacified and well circumscribed. The lymphatic channels are emptied a few hours after injection of the contrast medium.

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A