Pearls and pitfalls of radionuclide imaging of the lymphatic system. Part 2: evaluation of extremity lymphoedema.

This is the second of two pictorial essays on radionuclide imaging of the lymphatic system and will focus on evaluation of extremity lymphoedema using lymphoscintigraphy. Lymphoedema results from anatomical or functional obstruction of the lymphatic system. Lymphoscintigraphy is the imaging modality of choice for assessing lymphoedema. The technique plays a pivotal role in determining the aetiology of extremity swelling and helps guide treatment. The diagnostic utility of radionuclide imaging in lymphoedema depends upon careful technical performance and accurate image interpretation. We present a pictorial review emphasising the technical and interpretative pearls and pitfalls of radionuclide evaluation of lymphoedema.