Korean J Radiol.  2015 Feb;16(1):21-31. 10.3348/kjr.2015.16.1.21.

Current Status of Optical Imaging for Evaluating Lymph Nodes and Lymphatic System

• Lee ES
• Kim TS
• Kim SK

• KMID: 2069982
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/kjr.2015.16.1.21

Abstract

Optical imaging techniques use visual and near infrared rays. Despite their considerably poor penetration depth, they are widely used due to their safe and intuitive properties and potential for intraoperative usage. Optical imaging techniques have been actively investigated for clinical imaging of lymph nodes and lymphatic system. This article summarizes a variety of optical tracers and techniques used for lymph node and lymphatic imaging, and reviews their clinical applications. Emerging new optical imaging techniques and their potential are also described.

Keyword

Optical imaging; Lymphatic imaging; Lymph node imaging

MeSH Terms

Contrast Media/diagnostic use
Fluorescent Dyes/diagnostic use
Humans
Lymph Nodes/pathology/*radiography
Lymphatic System/*pathology
Lymphography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
*Optical Imaging
Positron-Emission Tomography
Quantum Dots/diagnostic use
Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared
Contrast Media
Fluorescent Dyes

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Infrared fluorescence of indocyanine green (ICG) is more intense in dilute condition with weaker green color than in concentrated condition. A. Commercial ICG green kit. B. Photos of 0.25% ICG aqueous solution (right vial) and 0.002% ICG aqueous solution (left vial). 0.25% ICG solution is dark green in color, while 0.002% ICG aqueous solution is faint green. Near infrared (NIR) fluorescence images were obtained using fluorescence imager. C. NIR image with excitation light on. 0.002% ICG aqueous solution (left vial) shows intense fluorescence with minimal background.

• 

  Fig. 2 Various types of fluorescence imagers can be applied to visualize tissues stained with indocyanine green (ICG) in clinical applications. A. They range from small, simple, hand-held type to large room-based type. B. ICG solution is injected subcutaneously into periareolar area before operation. C. Lymphatic flows (arrowheads) can be assessed using near infrared fluorescence imager over intact breast skin. D. During operation, intense fluorescence is identified in sentinel lymph node (arrows).

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