- Lymphedema: It evaluates the extent of limb swelling and identifies any blockages or abnormalities in the lymphatic vessels causing lymphedema.
- Lymphatic Malformations: Lymphangiography can visualize abnormal lymphatic channels and identify their connections with normal lymphatic vessels or veins.
- Lymphatic Fistulas: Lymphangiography can detect abnormal connections between lymphatic vessels and other structures, such as veins or the skin's surface.
- Lymph Node Involvement: The exam can identify enlarged or abnormal lymph nodes that may indicate infection, inflammation, or malignancy.
Therapeutic:
- Lymphatic Embolization: During lymphangiography, substances can be injected into the lymphatic vessels to seal off (embolize) abnormal or leaky lymphatic channels. This technique is sometimes used to treat lymphedema.
Lymphangiography provides valuable diagnostic and therapeutic information for patients with disorders of the lymphatic system. It is performed by experienced interventional radiologists in specially equipped angiography suites with appropriate imaging guidance such as CT or fluoroscopy.