Andrea De Bonis, Francesco Collivignarelli, Roberto Tamburro, Amanda Bianchi, Giulia Dolce, Eleonora Pagni, Roberta Bucci, Andrea Paolini, Ilaria Falerno, Valentina Rinaldi, Rossella Terragni, Jacopo Gianfelici, Paolo Frescura, Massimo Vignoli
Simple summary:
Mast cell tumour (MCT) is a common cutaneous and subcutaneous neoplasia in
dogs. Recent studies describe that sentinel lymph node (SLN) assessment is more specific to stage
MCT, while regional lymph node (RLN) evaluation is not as specific. SNL is the first site of drainage
of a tumour and the first metastatic site in several tumours. The study aims to evaluate the SLN
drainage mapping of MCT with indirect lymphography in dogs. The second objective of the study is
to compare the SLN to the RLN. Survey radiographs followed by an indirect lymphography were
obtained for SLN mapping. Twenty-six dogs with 29 MCTs were included. SLNs were detectable in
26 MCTs and radiographic indirect lymphangiography with Lipiodol was able to detect at least one
SLN in 90% of MCTs in dogs. In conclusion, radiographic indirect lymphangiography with Lipiodol
is a feasible technique to map SLNs and its draining system in MCTs. The lymph drainage pattern of
the MCTs may be different for each MCT and more than one SLN can be involved.
Abstract:
Mast cell tumour (MCT) is a common cutaneous and subcutaneous neoplasia in dogs. It can
metastasise to lymph nodes (LNs), and this adversely affects the prognosis and treatment. The study
aims to evaluate the SLN mapping of MCTs with radiographic indirect lymphography. Dogs that
underwent clinical staging were prospectively enrolled. Lipiodol was injected around the MCT or
the surgical scar. After 24 h, LNs that picked up contrast were radiographically assessed. Twenty-six
dogs with 29 MCTs were included. MCTs were confirmed histologically, while SLNs were evaluated
either by cytology and/or histology. SLNs were detectable in 23 dogs with 26 MCTs. Lymphatic
vessels were visible in 19 MCTs. In nine MCTs, at least two SLNs picked up contrast. In particular,
seven MCTs involved two SLNs, and two MCTs involved three different SLNs. In nine MCTs, at
least a SLN was metastatic. This study indicates that the lymph drainage pattern of the MCTs may
be different for each MCT, and more than one SLN can be involved. Indirect lymphangiography
with Lipiodol allowed the detection of the SLN in 90%