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Semin intervent Radiol 2024; 41(04): 389-403
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1791281
Review Article

Lymphatic Malformations: Review of Diagnosis and Management for the Interventional Radiologist

Shimwoo Lee
1   Department of Interventional Radiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
,
Aarti Luhar
2   Department of Interventional Radiology, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
,
Joseph Miller
1   Department of Interventional Radiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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Abstract

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) arise from errors in lymphatic vascular development during embryogenesis and encompass an array of conditions that span from common cystic LMs to complex lymphatic anomalies (CLAs). Manifestations of LMs are wide-ranging, from clinically inconsequential to life-threatening. Proper diagnosis and management can be challenging and often benefit from an experienced multidisciplinary team. Cystic LMs are localized entities for which percutaneous sclerotherapy is the mainstay treatment. CLAs, on the other hand, are more diffuse in involvement and typically require multimodal therapy. With advances in the genetic understanding of LMs, targeted systemic therapies have been increasingly utilized with promising results. Thoracic duct interventions, both surgical and percutaneous, have a limited role in CLAs and should be approached cautiously to avoid significant complications. In this review, we discuss the genetic basis, imaging findings, and management options for LMs, with a particular focus on relevant interventional radiology techniques.

Keywords

interventional radiology - lymphatic malformations - sclerotherapy - imaging - genetics


Publication History

Article published online:
07 November 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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