The Importance of Ultrasonography in the Exploration of the Superficial Lymphatic System of Carnivores

Abstract

The present study conducts on the basis of a topographical and anatomical systematization a characterization in terms of imaging of the superficial lymph nodes. Starting from the topographic anatomy of the superficial lymph nodes at carnivores, suitable for the tactile method of investigation, this study standardizes the imaging aspects of superficial lymph nodes, more specifically, their ultrasound anatomy. 7 female dogs of different breeds and ages, clinically healthy were assessed by ultrasound. Methods of investigation: two-dimensional ultrasound and in addition to this, color Doppler and power Doppler techniques. Ultrasound techniques were applied to 34 axillary, superficial inguinal and polipteus lymph nodes using an advanced ultrasound machine, equipped with "small parts mode". Two-dimensional ultrasound images were obtained to quantify data on topography, size, shape, capsule node, ecostructure and echogenicity. Doppler techniques have revealed the presence and the characteristics of lymph circulation. The results obtained show that lymph nodes are essential structures which have to be assessed at any ultrasonographic examination, among other parenchymal organs. The most useful parameters for characterization are: the transverse with the longitudinal axis ratio, with a value below 0.5 indicating oval shape of examined lymph nodes and the ordered model, the radial distribution of the capsule toward the hilum of the blood vascularization.