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J Reconstr Microsurg 2014; 30(01): 041-046
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1351668
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The Use of Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Vascularized Groin Lymph Node Transfer: An Anatomic Study

Joseph H. Dayan
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York
*   Director of Plastic Surgery Research
,
Erez Dayan
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York
,
Alexander Kagen
2   Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York
,
Ming-Huei Cheng
3   Division of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
,
Mark Sultan
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York
,
William Samson
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York
,
Mark L. Smith
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

27 May 2013

30 June 2013

Publication Date:
09 September 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Vascularized groin lymph node transfer (VGLNT) has been successfully used to treat lymphedema. However, lack of familiarity with the inguinal node anatomy and concerns regarding donor site morbidity have limited its widespread use. The purpose of this study was to use magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to clarify the inguinal anatomy and provide a reliable method for identifying the location of the superficial transverse inguinal lymph nodes. In this study MRA was used to evaluate the superficial inguinal lymph nodes in 117 patients. Coordinates of lymph nodes were plotted relative to an axis from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the pubic tubercle (PT). The nodes were also plotted relative to the superficial circumflex iliac vein (SCIV) and superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV). A total of 1,938 lymph nodes were identified. These lymph nodes were concentrated on one-third the distance from the PT toward the ASIS and 3 cm perpendicularly below this line. About 67% of the superficial inguinal nodes were located within the bifurcation of the SIEV and SCIV. The results from this study provide useful guidelines for locating lymph nodes targeted for VGLNT.

Keywords

vascularized lymph node transfer - magnetic resonance angiography - lymphedema - lymphatic anatomy - superficial circumflex iliac artery - groin flap
 

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