Lymphangiogram (Lymphangiography): Procedure and Purpose

A lymphangiogram (or lymphangiography) is an imaging study that visualizes lymphatic vessels.

Two Main Techniques

1. Contrast X‑ray – Oil‑based contrast injected into lymphatic vessels (often via interdigital web spaces), followed by serial radiographs.
2. Contrast injection with tomography (CT/MR lymphangiography) – Modern approach using water‑soluble contrast and cross‑sectional imaging for better spatial resolution.

Indications

• Evaluation of chylous effusions (chylothorax, chylous ascites)
• Lymphatic malformations
• Pre‑operative mapping for lymphatic surgery
• Staging of certain malignancies (historically)

Largely replaced by nuclear lymphoscintigraphy and MR lymphangiography for routine use, but still valuable for interventional planning.