Lymph Node Dissection and Radiation in the Rat Popliteal Region Leads to Progressive Lymphatic Pump Failure and Lymphedema

BackgroundLymphedema, a chronic and incurable condition with limited therapeutic options, has limited options to quantitatively assess functional changes during its development; as a result, a deeper understanding of its pathophysiology remains hindered. To characterize lymphatic alterations and their association with disease pathology in a clinically relevant model in the rat, we developed a longitudinal iPhone-based volumetry method combined with non-invasive NIR analysis of lymphatic function. Material and methodsSecondary lymphedema was induced by surgery and single-dose irradiation. iPhone volumetry provided longitudinal measurements of hindlimb volume, while NIR imaging quantified the pumping function of major lymphatic vessels in the popliteal area. ResultsAmong 30 rats, lymphedema developed in 80%, defined as interlimb volume differences exceeding 5% and persisting through 14 days. In all rats with lymphedema, disease persisted until the end of the study at postoperative day 42 (P = 0.0015). NIR imaging revealed lymphatic dilation, dye extravasation, and lymphangiogenesis in affected limbs. Lymphatics in limbs with lymphedema exhibited increased contraction frequency, reduced amplitude, and diminished transport compared to baseline and contralateral controls (all P < 0.05). In contrast, rats that did no develop lymphedema showed no postoperative functional changes, although at baseline they displayed higher frequency and lower amplitude and transport compared with LE rats (all P < 0.001). Baseline transport values correlated negatively with swelling (r = -0.44, P = 0.002), as determined by ROC analysis, which yielded an AUC of 0.83, a sensitivity of 83.3%, and a specificity of 82.6%. Histopathology at day 42 confirmed significant dermal thickening and fat deposition in LE limbs (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). ConclusionLongitudinal volumetry and NIR imaging applied to a clinically relevant animal model suggest a strong association between swelling and lymphatic function, which could provide deeper insight into lymphedema pathophysiology and represent valuable tools for future research and therapeutic development.