ENDOBRONCHIAL LYMPHOSCINTIGRAPHY (EBLS) - NEW DIAGNOSTIC MODALITY

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 76  (4) , 446-452
Abstract
A safe, simple method of visualizing deep intrathoracic lymph nodes and determining regional tracheobronchial lymphatic drainage with colloidal radionuclides was developed. The tracer is injected submucosally via a bronchoscope and lymph node scanning is performed at least 2 h later. The technique was developed and tested in 7 canine experiments. Endobronchial lymphoscintigraphy (EBLS) was performed in 43 patients undergoing routine bronchoscopic examination. 99mTc phytate, 198Au colloid, and 99mTc antimony sulfide were used. The last was the most satisfactory. The primary lymphatic drainage from selected sites of the tracheobronchial tree could be determined. Up to 5 lymph nodes were visualized, with an average of 2.1 lymph nodes seen in those patients with lymph node visualization. Patterns (4) of lymphatic drainage were seen: ipsilateral ascending, contralateral ascending, descending and no spread of injected colloid. In some cases cervical and celiac lymph nodes were seen. In combination with conventional diagnostic methods, EBLS in many cases clarified the extent and nature of underlying disease.

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