Characterizing diffusion properties on extremities of patients with lymphedema by MRI

Abstract

Lymphedema is defined as accumulation of fluid and fibroadipose tissues due to disruption of lymphatic flow. Our results demonstrate a significant difference of diffusion measures between lymphedema and normal groups. DKI and DTI derivatives have similar tendency when comparing lymphedema patients with healthy subjects. The diffusion properties may aid the diagnosis of lymphedema and have the potential for evaluating the severity in postoperative follow-up.