Lymphatics



Lymphatics


Melissa L. Rosado-de-Christenson, MD, FACR

Gerald F. Abbott, MD



Terminology


Abbreviations



  • Secondary pulmonary lobule (SPL)


Overview of Pulmonary Lymphatics


Morphology



  • Tubular structures forming vascular channels


  • Complex network of vessels and lymphoid tissue aggregates in lung, pleura, hila, and mediastinum


Function



  • Collection of lymphatic fluid from pleural space, visceral pleura, and pulmonary parenchyma


  • Conduit of lymphatic fluid towards hila


Anatomy of Pulmonary Lymphatics


General Concepts



  • Complex network of vascular channels



    • Reservoir lymphatics; broad, ribbon-like morphology


    • Conduit lymphatics; tubular morphology


    • Saculotubular lymphatics; plexiform complex around vessels and bronchi


  • Bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue


  • Intrapulmonary lymph nodes


  • Intrapulmonary peribronchial lymph nodes


General Anatomy



  • Along airways to level of respiratory bronchioles


  • Along pulmonary arteries and veins


  • Within interlobular and connective tissue septa


  • Within visceral pleural connective tissue


Anatomy of SPL Lymphatics



  • Peribronchovascular lymphatics



    • Along lobular pulmonary arteries and proximal lobular airways to level of respiratory bronchioles


  • Perilobular lymphatics



    • Along interlobular septa


  • Visceral pleural lymphatics



    • Along visceral pleural surface


Imaging of Normal Lymphatics


Normal Intrapulmonary Lymphoid Tissue



  • Intrapulmonary lymph node; small, subpleural, or parenchymal, ovoid or elongated, soft tissue nodule


  • Intrapulmonary peribronchial lymph nodes; small nodular opacities at bronchovascular bifurcations


Lymphatics of SPL

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Sep 20, 2016 | Posted by in RESPIRATORY IMAGING | Comments Off on Lymphatics

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