Intrahepatic dynamic contrast MR lymphangiography: initial experience with a new technique for the assessment of liver lymphatics

Objectives To describe the technique and report on our initial experience with the use of intrahepatic dynamic contrast magnetic resonance lymphangiography (IH-DCMRL) for evaluation of the lymphatics in patients with hepatic lymphatic flow disorders. Methods This is a retrospective review of the imaging and clinical findings in six consecutive patients undergoing IH-DCMRL. The technique involves injection of a gadolinium contrast agent into the intrahepatic lymphatic ducts followed by imaging of the abdomen and chest with both heavily T2-weighted imaging and dynamic time-resolved imaging. Results In six consecutive patients, IH-DCMRL was technically successful. There were four patients with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) and two with ascites in this study. In the four patients with PLE, IH-DCMRL demonstrated hepatoduodenal connections with leak of contrast into the duodenal lumen not seen by conventional lymphangiography. In one patient with ascites, IH-DCMRL demonstrated lymphatic leakage into the peritoneal cavity not seen by intranodal lymphangiography. In the second patient with ascites, retrograde lymphatic perfusion of mesenteric lymphatic networks and nodes was seen. Venous contamination was seen in two patients. No biliary contamination was identified. There were no short-term complications. Conclusions IH-DCMRL is a cross-sectional technique which successfully evaluated hepatic lymphatic flow disorders and warrants further investigation.