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Non-contrast magnetic resonance lymphography (NCMRL) in cancer-related secondary lymphedema: acquisition technique and imaging findings

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Published:
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Abstract

Cancer-related secondary lymphedema (LE) is a widespread issue, which markedly affects patients’ quality of life. Its diagnosis is mainly clinical since there is no consensus on the best imaging technique that should be used to assess this pathology. Even if lymphedema treatment has been traditionally conservative and mainly based on compressive bandages and decongestive therapy, new surgical techniques are proving their effectiveness in the management of the disease and made proper assessment and characterization of lymphedema necessary. In this scenario, non-contrast magnetic resonance lymphography (NCMRL) is acquiring an increasing role, as a non-invasive imaging technique, useful for the analysis of LE. NCMRL is an effective tool in diagnosis confirmation, in providing information about the structural changes of the affected limbs, in grading this disorder, and provides a guide for LE management and treatment planning. This article aims to provide an overview of the literature regarding this examination, analyzing the acquisition technique, the interpretation of the imaging findings and their usefulness, the advantages and limits of this technique, to help the radiologist approach this relatively new investigation in cases of cancer-related LE.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli, Piazza Principessa Clotilde 3, 20121, Milan, Italy

    Michaela Cellina & Giancarlo Oliva

  2. Dipartimento Di Scienze Biomediche Per La Salute, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy

    Daniele Gibelli

  3. Department of Radiology, Ospedale San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20121, Milan, Italy

    Carlo Martinenghi

  4. Lymphedema Center, Nursing Home “La Madonnina”, Via Quadronno, 29, 20122, Milan, Italy

    Denisa Giardini, Massimo Soresina & Andrea Menozzi

  5. Department of Radiology, Policlinico Di Milano Ospedale Maggiore | Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Via Francesco Sforza, 35, 20122, Milan, Italy

    Gianpaolo Carrafiello

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  1. Michaela Cellina
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Correspondence to Michaela Cellina.

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Cellina, M., Gibelli, D., Martinenghi, C. et al. Non-contrast magnetic resonance lymphography (NCMRL) in cancer-related secondary lymphedema: acquisition technique and imaging findings. Radiol med 126, 1477–1486 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-021-01410-3

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