Current status, pitfalls and future directions in the diagnosis and therapy of lymphatic malformation. Issue 8 (5th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sun, Ravi W.; Tuchin, Valery V.; Zharov, Vladimir P.; Galanzha, Ekaterina I.; Richter, Gresham T.
• Other Names: Galanzha Ekaterina guestEditor.; Zharov Vladimir P. guestEditor.; Tuchin Valery V. guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of biophotonics. Volume 11:Issue 8(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-11-05
• Subjects: lymphangioma -- lymphatic malformation -- macrocystic -- microcystic -- nanoparticles -- optical clearing -- photoacoustics -- photothermal blood and lymph vessel therapy; Photonics -- Periodicals; Optical materials -- Periodicals; Optics -- Periodicals; Medical instruments and apparatus -- Periodicals; 621.3605
• DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201700124
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1864-063X

Abstract

Abstract : Lymphatic malformations are complex congenital vascular lesions composed of dilated, abnormal lymphatic channels of varying size that can result in significant esthetic and physical impairment due to relentless growth. Lymphatic malformations comprised of micro‐lymphatic channels (microcystic) integrate and infiltrate normal soft tissue, leading to a locally invasive mass. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging assist in the diagnosis but are unable to detect microvasculature present in microcystic lymphatic malformations. In this review, we examine existing tools and elaborate on alternative diagnostic methods in assessing lymphatic malformations. In particular, photoacoustics, low‐toxicity nanoparticles and optical clearing can overcome existing challenges in the examination of lymphatic channels in vivo. In combination with photothermal scanning and flow cytometry, Photoacoustic techniques may provide a versatile tool for lymphatic‐related clinical applications, potentially leading to a single diagnostic and therapeutic platform to overcome limitations in current imaging techniques and permit targeted theranostics of microcystic lymphatic malformations. Abstract : Lymphatic malformations are complex vascular lesions composed of abnormal lymph vessels that can result in significant esthetic and physical impairment due to relentless growth. Here, we review the capability and limitations of current imaging technologies (e.g., ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging) to diagnose lymphatic malformations, and discuss perspectives to overcome existing challenges using new and emerging methods of vascular imaging and characterization such as the integration of photoacoustics, nanotechnology, and optical clearing for the advanced diagnosis and therapy (theranostics) of lymphatic malformations.