Lymphatic Imaging Findings in Patients with Trisomy 21 and Congenital Heart Disease

Researchers conducted a retrospective review of patients with Trisomy 21 and congenital heart disease to describe lymphatic imaging findings and depict common central lymphatic abnormalities. The study included 16 patients, 12 of whom were male, with a median age of 1.5 years. The patients presented with symptoms such as chylothorax, plastic bronchitis, and chylous ascites, and two patients died during the study period. The lymphatic distribution and flow were evaluated using dynamic contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography and conventional lymphangiography studies.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found common lymphatic imaging findings in patients with Trisomy 21 and congenital heart disease, including retrograde dermal lymphatic flow, pulmonary and mesenteric lymphatic perfusion, and a dilated and tortuous thoracic duct.
• The study included 16 patients, 12 of whom were male, with a median age of 1.5 years.
• Patients presented with symptoms such as chylothorax, plastic bronchitis, and chylous ascites, and two patients died during the study period.
• The study used dynamic contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography and conventional lymphangiography studies to evaluate lymphatic distribution and flow.
• The research was conducted at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and was peer-reviewed.

Statistics:

• 12 patients (75%) had cardiac surgery, including Fontan, hemi-Fontan, Glenn, and other cardiac surgeries.
• 15 patients (94%) had abnormal pulmonary and/or mesenteric lymphatic perfusion on T1-weighted dynamic imaging.
• 2 patients (12%) died during the study period.

Sources:

• "Imaging of central lymphatics in children with Both Trisomy 21 and congenital heart disease" (Clinical Imaging, 2025; 127: 110627)
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
• Clinical Imaging (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Clinical Imaging - www.journals.elsevier.com/clinical-imaging/)