Baulieu F, Baulieu JL, Vaillant L, Secchi V, Barsotti J
Factorial analysis in radionuclide lymphography: assessment of the effects of
sequential pneumatic compression.
Lymphology 1989 Dec;22(4):178-85    weiter zur Übersetzten Vollversion

Department of Nuclear Medicine, Trousseau University Hospital, Tours, France.

The effects of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) in 12 patients with lower
or upper limb lymphedema were studied using a computer-based technique (factorial
analysis) of dynamic lymphoscintigraphy. After subcutaneous injection of
radiocolloid into the first interdigital web space of the arm or leg,
scintigraphic recordings consisted of 40 consecutive one-minute frames of both
lower extremities or an edematous upper extremity. Pneumatic compression by
Euroduc (6 patients) or by Lymphapress (6 patients) was applied during the final
20 minutes of the recording. A three factors factorial analysis (FA) was
performed successively for each extremity. FA allowed "uncontaminated" curves to
be displayed distinct from neighboring structures and corresponded to dynamic
tracer activity in the interstitium, at the injection site, and within lymphatic
vessels. Based on the results of lymphatic vascular factorial analysis, a
beneficial effect of IPC was detected in 18 of 22 limbs examined. FA processing
suggested that IPC facilitated radiocolloid transport in the proximal portion of
the limb and also propelled tracer from the injection site toward the lymphatics.
The effect of IPC was evident as soon as external compression therapy began and
was similar with either mechanical unit. Residual tracer activity in peripheral
lymphatics 20 minutes after application of IPC was higher in the edematous as
compared with the normal limbs. FA processing is a new and potentially valuable
method to evaluate the effects of external pneumatic compression in the
management of peripheral lymphedema.