Advances in Lymphatic Imaging and Image-Guided Interventions

The lymphatic system, historically termed the 'forgotten circulation' of clinical medicine due to the technical challenges of direct visualization, is rapidly transitioning into a front-line domain of interventional radiology. The clinical management of postoperative lymphatic leaks and chylous disorders has been revolutionized by advances across the full spectrum of lymphatic imaging modalities, including dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography (dMRL), non-contrast MR techniques, lymphoscintigraphy, and ICG (indocyanine green) fluorescence lymphography paired with image-guided percutaneous embolization. Recent research demonstrating the high diagnostic sensitivity of dynamic magnetic resonance lymphangiography compared to traditional digital subtraction lymphangiography (DSL) is one example of this progress, enabling precise anatomical and functional mapping prior to intervention, but it is one technique among several this Research Topic welcomes work on.Despite these rapid advancements, standardizing percutaneous techniques and clinical protocols across this broader imaging and interventional landscape remains a critical challenge. Establishing consistent imaging sequences, contrast administration paths, and optimal embolization parameters is essential to ensure high technical success rates, reduce complication rates, and broaden clinical adoption across both adult and pediatric patient populations. Furthermore, understanding the comparative efficacy of various imaging modalities, embolic agents, retrograde access methodologies, and non-contrast mapping techniques is essential for the field's progression.This Research Topic provides a dedicated, interdisciplinary forum for clinical optimization, technical innovation, and protocol development across lymphatic imaging and image-guided interventions, intentionally broad in modality and technique to welcome groups working across the full diagnostic and interventional spectrum. We welcome Original Research, Clinical Trials, Systematic Reviews, Technical Notes, and Case Series. Contributors are encouraged to submit manuscripts addressing, but not limited to, the following core subthemes:• Lymphatic Imaging Across Modalities: Novel MR sequences, non-contrast alternatives, lymphoscintigraphy, ICG fluorescence lymphography, contrast dosage, and injection timing.• Comparative Diagnostic Performance: Studies comparing MRL, DSL, direct/intranodal lymphangiography, and other imaging modalities.• Percutaneous Embolization Innovations: Technical developments in thoracic duct embolization (TDE), retrograde thoracic duct access, and intranodal lymphangiography.• Postoperative Lymphatic Leaks and Chylous Disorders: Clinical outcomes of interventions for chylothorax, chyluria, plastic bronchitis, and post-surgical lymphatic leaks.• Access and Micro-cannulation Techniques: Advances in ultrasound-guided intranodal access and micro-catheter technologies.• Safety, Complications, and Long-Term Outcomes: Multi-center tracking of procedural complications, embolic agent safety, and long-term patency rates. Topic editors: Nguyen Ngoc Cuong, Masanori Inoue, Giovanni Mauri Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85087/advances-in-lymphatic-imaging-and-image-guided-interventions