Experiment with 659 consecutive lymphograms in children.

Between 1963 and January 30, 1975, 659 children under 16 years of age were referred for bipedal lymphography at the Institut Gustave-Roussy. Approximately one-third were under 5 years of age. The vast majority had documented malignant disease. Successful bilateral lymphatic cannulation and lymph nodd opacification were accomplished in 86.7% of all children. Another 11.6% had successful unilateral lymphograms, which usually provided sufficient information to be considered as diagnostic stldies. In only 1.7% of all children was the study unsuccessful bilaterally. Lymphatic cannulation failure rates progressively decreased as the child increased in age. There were five "allergic" reactions (0.75%), one of which was considered life-threatening, and one instance (0.15%) of a transient neurological deficit. No permanent sequelae or deaths were attributed to the lymphogram.