Significance of popliteal lymph nodes visualization during radionuclide lymphoscintigraphy for lower limb lymphedema.

Purpose: To examine the frequency and significance of visualization of popliteal nodes during lymphoscintigraphy for the investigation of lower extremity swelling.

Materials And Methods: Technetium-99m-labeled nanocolloid was injected subcutaneously in the first web spaces of both feet of 90 patients (24 males, 66 females; age range, 4-70 years) who had clinical evidence of lower limb lymphedema and were referred for routine lymphoscintigraphy; imaging was performed 5, and 90 minutes after injection without any vigorous exercise between the injection and imaging.

Results: According to the scan findings, patients were divided into two groups; group I included 63 patients without popliteal nodes visualization on scanning, and group II included 27 patients with positive popliteal nodes uptake.