Lymphoscintigraphy for the diagnosis of extremity lymphedema: Current controversies regarding protocol, interpretation, and clinical application

Abstract

Appropriate diagnosis, staging and a further selection of the best treatment are fundamental for the management of patients with extremity lymphedema. Several clinical and imaging tools have been described for these purposes. Lymphoscintigraphy is still considered the gold standard imaging modality for diagnosing lymphedema. However, protocol variability and poor image resolution can make the interpretation challenging. Here, we reviewed technical aspects of lymphoscintigraphy, interpretation of the lymphoscintigraphy findings, staging, and its clinical application.

Keywords: Lymphedema Grading System; extremity lymphedema; lymphatic microsurgery; lymphedema diagnosis; lymphoscintigraphy.