A new lymphography protocol and interpretation principles based on functional lymphatic anatomy in lower limb lymphedema.

Indirect lymphatic system imaging is essential for diagnosing lymphatic diseases. The basic methodology involves intradermal or subcutaneous injection of a contrast agent into the surrounding lymphatic capillary, and the flow of the contrast agent is identified using a detector. Many contrast agents that use near-infrared dye, including indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent lymphography, are available.

A new severity classification of lower limb secondary lymphedema based on lymphatic pathway defects in an indocyanine green fluorescent lymphography study.

Most protocols for lymphatic imaging of the lower limb conventionally inject tracer materials only into the interdigital space; however, recent studies indicate that there are four independent lymphatic vessel groups (anteromedial, anterolateral, posteromedial, and posterolateral) in the lower limb. Thus, three additional injection sites are needed for lymphatic imaging of the entire lower limb. We aimed to validate a multiple injection designed protocol and demonstrate its clinical benefits.

A phase III, multicenter, single-arm study to assess the utility of indocyanine green fluorescent lymphography in the treatment of secondary lymphedema.

Objective: Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent lymphography might be useful for assessing patients undergoing lymphatic surgery for secondary lymphedema. The present clinical trial aimed to confirm whether ICG fluorescent lymphography would be useful in evaluating lymphedema, identifying lymphatic vessels suitable for anastomosis, and confirming patency of lymphaticovenular anastomosis in patients with secondary lymphedema.

Methods: The present phase III, multicenter, single-arm, open-label, clinical trial (HAMAMATSU-ICG study) investigated the accuracy of lymphedema diagnosis via ICG fluorescent lymphography compared with lymphoscintigraphy, rate of identification of lymphatic vessels at the incision site, and efficacy for confirming patency of lymphaticovenular anastomosis.

The use of 33 MHz ultra-high-frequency ultrasonography for the evaluation of sweat glands in the axilla with osmidrosis.

Background: This study aimed to assess the use of 33 MHz ultra-high-frequency ultrasonography (33MHz-UHFUS) for evaluating axillary sweat glands with osmidrosis in comparison with histological techniques. Axillary osmidrosis is a common problem in Asian societies, and the number and size of apocrine sweat glands have a strong relationship with osmidrosis severity. Currently, there are no methods to evaluate sweat gland distribution non-invasively.

HAMAMATSU-ICG study: Protocol for a phase III, multicentre, single-arm study to assess the usefulness of indocyanine green fluorescent lymphography in assessing secondary lymphoedema.

Introduction: Secondary lymphoedema of the extremities is an important quality-of-life issue for patients who were treated for their malignancies. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent lymphography may be helpful for assessing lymphoedema and for planning lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA). The objective of the present clinical trial is to confirm whether or not ICG fluorescent lymphography using the near-infrared monitoring camera is useful for assessing the indication for LVA, for the identification of the lymphatic vessels before the conduct of LVA, and for the confirmation of the patency of the anastomosis site during surgery.

Lower-Limb Lymphatic Drainage Pathways and Lymph Nodes: A CT Lymphangiography Cadaver Study.

Background Most lymphatic imaging examinations of the lower limb require intradermal or subcutaneous injection of tracer material into the foot to demonstrate the lymphatic vessels; however, no standard protocol exists, and single or multiple injections are applied at different sites. Purpose To determine the three-dimensional relationships between each lymphatic group of the lower limb and corresponding regional lymph nodes. Materials and Methods A total of 130 lower limbs (55 from men and 75 from women) from 83 fresh human cadavers were studied.

Correlations between Tracer Injection Sites and Lymphatic Pathways in the Leg: A Near-Infrared Fluorescence Lymphography Study.

Background: The primary aim of this study was to determine the detailed anatomy of the lymphatics in the lower extremity using fresh human cadavers with indocyanine green fluorescence lymphography. The secondary aim was to apply the anatomical results to establish a new protocol for lymphography based on feasible allocations for tracer injection sites.

Methods: One hundred lower extremities from 53 fresh human cadavers were used for this study.

Mechanical strain attenuates cytokine-induced ADAMTS9 expression via transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1.

The synovial fluids of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) contain elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, which induce the expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) and of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in chondrocytes. Mechanical strain has varying effects on organisms depending on the strength, cycle, and duration of the stressor; however, it is unclear under inflammatory stimulation how mechanical strain act on. Here, we show that mechanical strain attenuates inflammatory cytokine-induced expression of matrix-degrading enzymes.

Reverse-supercharged, distally based latissimus dorsi flap for lumbar defect: A case report.

Well-vascularized tissue is required for successful reconstruction of a soft tissue defect in the lumbar region. There are several options for reconstruction; however, controversy exists regarding the optimal technique. Here, we present a case of a lumbar defect following tumor resection in a 75-year-old patient that was repaired using a reverse-supercharged, distally based latissimus dorsi flap.

Detailed Vascular Anatomy and Flap Harvest Technique of the Serratus Anterior/Rib Composite Flap.

Background: The hemodynamics of blood flowing from the anterior serratus to the ribs has yet to be analyzed in detail in serratus anterior/rib composite flaps. The authors focused on new blood circulation, whereby the slip arteries branched from the serratus anterior branch, off the thoracodorsal artery and the intercostal arteries, directly through the interconnecting vessels (axial route). The authors analyzed in detail the hemodynamics of serratus anterior/rib composite flaps and developed a new method for flap elevation.

Modified Posterolateral Approach for Pterygium Colli.

Pterygium colli is a congenital deformity associated with malformation syndromes. Various surgical procedures have been reported, but these procedures have advantages and disadvantages. The modified posterolateral approach has been reported as a new surgical procedure for pterygium colli.

Recurrent branch of anterior interosseous artery perforator-based propeller flap for distal forearm injuries: Report of 2 cases.

Despite various options for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the distal forearm, perforator-based propeller flap is rarely used. Here, we presented 2 cases of distal forearm injuries that were repaired using the recurrent branch of anterior interosseous artery perforator-based propeller flap. Patients in these cases were 57 and 67 years of age.

High molecular weight hyaluronan protects cartilage from degradation by inhibiting aggrecanase expression.

Hyaluronan (HA) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) component of articular cartilage and has been used to treat patients with osteoarthritis (OA). A disintegrin and metalloproteinases with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs) play an important role in cartilage degradation in OA. We have previously reported that ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS9 were induced by cytokine stimulation.

Exercise-Loaded Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Lymphangiography for Diagnosing Lymphedema.

Background:  Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence lymphography (ICGLG) that can visualize the lymphatic vessel and its flow noninvasively and dynamically was developed in 2007. It is frequently used to observe the function and pathway of the lymphatic vessels. ICGLG is simple and easy to perform, and it is useful for understanding the condition of the lymphatic system in real time.

A Fresh Cadaver Study on Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Lymphography: A New Whole-Body Imaging Technique for Investigating the Superficial Lymphatics.

Background: Identification of the lymphatic system in cadavers is painstaking because lymphatic vessels have very thin walls and are transparent. Selection of appropriate contrast agents is a key factor for successfully visualizing the lymphatics. In this study, the authors introduce a new imaging technique of lymphatic mapping in the whole bodies of fresh cadavers.

Three-Dimensional Imaging of Lymphatic System in Lymphedema Legs Using Interstitial Computed Tomography-lymphography.

As a new trial, we used interstitial computed tomography-lymphography (CT-LG) in 10 patients with lower extremity lymphedema (n=20 limbs) at stage 0, 1, 2, or 3 under the International Society of Lymphology (ISL) classification. In all cases, CT-LG, lymphoscintigraphy, and indocyanine green fluorescence-lymphography (ICG-LG) were performed. In the examination of the ascending level of depicted lymphatic vessels, we measured the diameters of lymphatic vessels detected with CT-LG and conducted an image analysis of dermal backflow of lymph (DB).

Laser-Assisted Indocyanine Green Angiography Aids in the Reconstruction of Gustilo Grade IIIB Open Lower-Limb Fractures.

 The treatment of trauma to the lower extremities often carries a high risk of complications. To the best of our knowledge, no study has been published regarding the treatment of open lower-limb fractures using laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography (LA-ICG). Here we retrospectively evaluated LA-ICG-based therapeutic interventions and reported the use of LA-ICG and its results in this application.

Architecture of the subendothelial elastic fibers of small blood vessels and variations in vascular type and size.

Most blood vessels contain elastin that provides the vessels with the resilience and flexibility necessary to control hemodynamics. Pathophysiological hemodynamic changes affect the remodeling of elastic components, but little is known about their structural properties. The present study was designed to elucidate, in detail, the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of delicate elastic fibers in small vessels, and to reveal their architectural pattern in a rat model.