Percutaneous Thoracic Duct Externalization and Autotransfusion in Patients With Lymphatic Failure Due to Elevated Central Venous Pressure.

Background: External drainage of the thoracic duct can temporarily reduce tissue congestion and improve symptoms in patients with heart failure. However, loss of fluid limits the duration of this approach. Here, we report on our initial experience with thoracic duct drainage and autotransfusion in patients with elevated central venous pressure.

In utero torsion of an accessory hepatic lobe mimicking a congenital tumor.

Accessory hepatic lobes are rare anatomic variants connected to the liver by a fibrous stalk or parenchymal attachments. They are usually detected incidentally, but torsion is a rare complication. Here, we report torsion of an accessory hepatic lobe occurring in utero with a focus on the MRI findings.

Occlusion Pressure of the Thoracic Duct in Fontan Patients With Lymphatic Failure: Does Dilatation Challenge Contractility?

Background: The Fontan circulation challenges the lymphatic system. Increasing production of lymphatic fluid and impeding lymphatic return, increased venous pressure may cause lymphatic dilatation and decrease lymphatic contractility. In-vitro studies have reported a lymphatic diameter-tension curve, with increasing passive stretch affecting the intrinsic contractile properties of each thoracic duct segment.

Adjunctive techniques for percutaneous enteral access in children: a pictorial review.

Primary percutaneous gastrostomy and gastrojejunostomy tube placements are fundamental procedures performed in pediatric interventional radiology, with both antegrade and retrograde techniques described. In pediatric patients, however, challenges may arise due to smaller patient size and anatomical variations. Several adjunctive techniques may facilitate safe percutaneous access in the setting of a limited percutaneous gastric access window.

State-of-the-art imaging for lymphatic evaluation in children.

The lymphatic system has been poorly understood and its importance neglected for decades. Growing understanding of lymphatic flow pathophysiology through peripheral and central lymphatic flow imaging has improved diagnosis and treatment options in children with lymphatic diseases. Flow dynamics can now be visualized by different means including dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography (DCMRL), the current standard technique to depict central lymphatics.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography: feasibility of using ferumoxytol in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of direct intra-lymphatic administration of diluted ferumoxytol as a T1-positive contrast agent for dynamic contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography (DCMRL) imaging of the central lymphatics in children with renal disease.

Methods: In vitro scan of dilute ferumoxytol was initially performed using time-resolved and high-resolution 3D gradient echo (GRE) sequences with short TE values (1 to 1.5 ms).

Utility of Fine-Needle Aspirations to Diagnose Pediatric Thyroid Nodules.

Introduction: Risk of malignancy for pediatric thyroid nodules classified according to The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) is not well defined. Correlations between risk of malignancy and ancillary clinical data remain inconclusive. We report a single institutional experience of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) to improve upon current management paradigm of thyroid nodules.

Liver lymphatic anatomy and role in systemic lymphatic disease.

Objectives: To characterize hepatic to systemic lymphatic connections in patients with systemic lymphatic disease using intra-hepatic lymphangiography and to compare outcomes after lymphatic intervention.

Methods: In this retrospective study, patients with intra-hepatic lymphangiography from May 2014 - April 2019 at our institution were included. Imaging review was performed and hepatic lymphatic connections and flow patterns were characterized.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography.

Lymphatic flow disorders include a broad spectrum of abnormalities that can originate in the lymphatic or the venous system. The development of these disorders is multifactorial and is most commonly associated with congenital heart diseases and palliative surgeries that these patients undergo. Central lymphatic disorders might be secondary to traumatic leaks, lymphatic overproduction, conduction abnormalities or lymphedema, and they can progress to perfusion anomalies.

Imaging of fetal lymphangiectasias: prenatal and postnatal imaging findings.

Lymphangiectasias are lymphatic malformations characterized by the abnormal dilation and morphology of the lymphatic channels. The classification and treatment of these disorders can be challenging given the limited amount of literature available in children. Various imaging modalities are used to confirm suspected diagnosis, plan the most appropriate treatment, and estimate a prognosis.

Intramesenteric dynamic contrast pediatric MR lymphangiography: initial experience and comparison with intranodal and intrahepatic MR lymphangiography.

Objectives: To report on our initial experience with intramesenteric (IM) dynamic contrast magnetic resonance lymphangiography (DCMRL) for evaluation of the lymphatics in patients with concern for mesenteric lymphatic flow disorders and to compare IM-DCMRL with intrahepatic (IH) and intranodal (IN) DCMRL.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of imaging findings in 15 consecutive patients who presented with protein losing enteropathy (PLE) and/or ascites undergoing IM-DCMRL, IH-DCMRL, and IN-DCMRL. The IM-DCMRL technique involves the injection of a gadolinium contrast agent into the mesenteric lymphatic ducts or lymph nodes followed by imaging of the abdomen and chest with dynamic time-resolved MR lymphangiography.

A novel technique for removing a fibrin sheath from a mediport catheter in the pediatric population.

Mediport (also known as port, portacath or Infusaport) is a commonly placed central venous access in pediatric patients. Fibrin sheath formation around the central venous catheter is a common biological response leading to port malfunction in the form of inability to aspirate but preserved capacity for infusion of fluids. If fibrinolytic therapy fails, percutaneous fibrin sheath stripping via transfemoral route or replacement with a new mediport are routine/conventional treatments for a fibrin sheath.