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Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia: Multiple detector computed tomography findings after direct lymphangiography
Author(s) -
Sun Xiaoli,
Shen Wenbin,
Chen Xiaobai,
Wen Tingguo,
Duan Yongli,
Wang Rengui
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.31
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1754-9485
pISSN - 1754-9477
DOI - 10.1111/1754-9485.12606
Subject(s) - medicine , radiology , reflux , lymphatic system , lymph , chylothorax , ascites , thoracic duct , pleural effusion , mesentery , pathology , disease
To analyse the findings of multiple detector computed tomography ( MDCT ) after direct lymphangiography in primary intestinal lymphangiectasia ( PIL ). Methods Fifty‐five patients with PIL were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent MDCT after direct lymphangiography. The pathologies of 16 patients were confirmed by surgery and the remaining 39 patients were confirmed by gastroendoscopy and/or capsule endoscopy. Results After direct lymphangiography, MDCT found intra‐ and extraintestinal as well as lymphatic vessel abnormalities. Among the intra‐ and extraintestinal disorders, 49 patients had varying degrees of intestinal dilatation, 46 had small bowel wall thickening, 9 had pleural and pericardial effusions, 21 had ascites, 41 had mesenteric oedema, 20 had mesenteric nodules and 9 had abdominal lymphatic cysts. Features of lymphatic vessel abnormalities included intestinal trunk reflux (43.6%, n = 24), lumbar trunk reflux (89.1%, n = 49), pleural and pulmonary lymph reflux (14.5%, n = 8), pericardial and mediastinal lymph reflux (16.4%, n = 9), mediastinal and pulmonary lymph reflux (18.2%, n = 10), and thoracic duct outlet obstruction (90.9%, n = 50). Conclusions Multiple detector computed tomography after direct lymphangiography provides a safe and accurate examination method and is an excellent tool for the diagnosis of PIL .