Lymphoscintigraphy is a nuclear medicine imaging technique used to assess the function and structure of the lymphatic system. It plays a critical role in identifying sentinel lymph nodes prior to cancer surgery and in diagnosing lymphedema. By subcutaneously injecting radiopharmaceuticals, lymphatic flow is visualized, allowing for evaluation of lymphatic vessels and nodes with high sensitivity and specificity to detect abnormalities. In South Korea, 99mTc-phytate is the primary radiopharmaceutical used, widely applied in both the diagnosis of lymphedema and the assessment of treatment outcomes. This review discusses the principles of lymphoscintigraphy, the characteristics of radiopharmaceuticals, and the clinical relevance of normal and abnormal findings in lymphedema patients. Additionally, this review explores how lymphoscintigraphy findings vary depending on the underlying causes of lymphedema, as well as the limitations of the technique.
Min Young Yoo (Fri,) studied this question.