Pelvi-Abdominal lymph node stations: Tracking down the lymphatic drainage of the abdomen and pelvis

Congress:

ECR 2019

Poster Number:

C-3561

Type:

Educational Exhibit

Keywords:

Anatomy, Lymph nodes, CT, Diagnostic procedure, Metastases

Authors:

P. M. A. D. Mohamed Abouelhoda¹, R. A. M. A. Helal¹, E. T. E. Abdullah¹, A. D. Metry¹, M. M. M. Ashour², M. A. Abo El Ela¹, R. N. M. Abdalla³, S. Salah¹; ¹Cairo/EG, ²Cairo, New Cairo/EG, ³Cairo, ca/EG

DOI:

10.26044/ecr2019/C-3561

DOI-Link:

https://dx.doi.org/10.26044/ecr2019/C-3561

Fig. 1: A case of RCC with metastatic LN showing diffusion restriction as the primary...

Fig. 2: a known case of lymmphoma with paraaortic enlarged lymphnodes

Fig. 3: known case of lymphoma with paraortic and lateral aortic lymphnodes

Fig. 4: lymphnodes seen at the bifurcation of the aorta

Learning objectives

o understand the patterns of normal lymphatic drainage in the abdomen and pelvis. To review the correct terminology of each lymph node group. To track the lymphatic drainage of most of the abdominal and pelvic malignancies.

Background

Cancer can spread in the body by different ways, either locally through direct infiltration into soft tissues, or distally by migrating through the lymphatic or blood flow. Lymphatic spread is usually stepwise, which allow us to predict the way of tumor progression by following it through successive nodal stops, accordingly the advanced knowledge of the lymphatic pathways relevant to any tumour location by radiologists is a crucial information for treatment preparation and execution. For example, excision of cancer is often completed by lymphatic dissection, and...

Findings and procedure details

The lymphatic vessels of the abdomen and pelvis can be divided into main categories superficial and deep systems. The superficial lymphatics originate from the subcutaneous tissue, and tend to accompany the venous flow to drain into the deep vessels. While, on the other hand the deep lymphatics drain deeper structures, like the internal organs and they tend to accompany the arteries. The superficial lymphatic system: It can be furtherly divided into 2 groups according to the level of the umbilicus. The superficial lymphatics above the...

Conclusion

Understanding the nomenclature and the usual lymphatic pathways of metastasis will help radiologists detect disease spread from various pelvi-abdominal tumours. Precise detailed reporting of the lymphatic drainage of primary tumor is essential for complete report of radiological findings.

Personal information

References

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