Percutaneous CT lymphography with perflubron: imaging efficacy in rabbits and monkeys.

Abstract

To evaluate the imaging efficacy of percutaneous lymphography performed with injection of perflubron emulsions and computed tomography (CT). Thin-section CT was used to image lymph nodes in 116 rabbits and six monkeys. Quantitative measures of regional lymph node enhancement were obtained 4 hours to 21 days after subcutaneous injection of perflubron (0.1-0.5 mL per injection site). Lymph node enhancement was calculated in Hounsfield units and converted to bromine concentration with standards that were imaged at the same time. Excellent enhancement of regional lymph nodes in both groups of animals was obtained. Nodal enhancement was linearly related to dose and was sustained for 20 days; maximum enhancement was seen 2 days after injection. Massage of the injection site increased delivery of the perflubron emulsion to regional lymph nodes. In rabbits and monkeys, percutaneous CT lymphography effectively depicts the intranodal distribution of macrophages in normal lymph nodes.