The lymphatic system comprises a central component of the circulatory system, yet imaging approaches to visualize lymphatics remain underdeveloped. We utilized MR lymphangiography and sodium MRI to confirm lymphatic impairment in patients with lymphedema of known causes, and in patients with the adipose disorder lipedema of unknown etiology. We report distinct profiles on MR lymphangiography that correlate with tissue sodium and fat deposition. Results provide evidence of lymphatic involvement in lipedema that informs disease mechanisms related to swelling, and more broadly relates to lymphatic clearance dysfunction in a range of diseases where sodium and fat are implicated.
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