imaging the lymphatic sysytem Flashcards
what is the difference between PET scans and other types of imagine
it is functional imaging - can be used to assess metabolic function, while other imaging is anatomical only
on a CXR what shape do the hilar lymphnodes classically have (non-diseases)
> shape (sideways V); if not then this is indication that hilar lymph nodes are involved
what is special about lymphomas that invade the CNS
they can cross the midline of the brain
grade vs stage
grade - histological, the tissue itself;
stage - anatomical (e.g. TNM)
3 fucntions of the lymphatic system
- maintenance of fluid balance within the tissues;
- absorption and carriage of water/insoluble fats from the intestine;
- protection of the body through the generation of an immune response
what causes bilateral leg swelling
systemic causes e.g. Heart failure, pulmonary hypertension
what causes lymphoedema (7)
- disruption/damage to the lymphatic system e.g. cancer surgery, RT;
- infection e.g. Filariasis, cellulitis;
- inflammation;
- venous disease e.g. DVT, varicose veins;
- obesity;
- trauma/injury
- immobility
4 components to the lymphatic system
lymphatic vessels; lymph nodes; spleen; thymus
what do deep and superficial lymphatic vessels follow
deep - follow arteries;
superficial - follow veins
what is the cicterna chyli
abdominal origin of the thoracic duct, and it receives the bilateral lumbar lymphatic trunks - valuable landmark
where is the cisterna chyli located
right side of L1/2
what does the cisterna chyli drain into
thoracic ducts
where is the thoracic duct located
enters the throax through the aortic hiatus in the diaphragm; located in the posterior mediastinum
what do lymph nodes allow for (in immune response)
interaction of antigen, APC and lymphoid cells
at what size doe splenomegaly occur
> 14cm
