INDICATIONS
Ethiodol (ethiodized oil) is indicated for use as a radio-opaque medium for
hysterosalpingography and lymphography.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
In Hysterosalpingography
The hysterosalpingogram is preferably taken during the
patient's preovulatory phase (as determined from her basal body temperature record)
and not less than two days after cessation of her menstrual flow. It has been
frequently observed that some bleeding will occur during or after the onset of
pregnancy which cannot be distinguished by the patient from a normal menstrual
period. In such cases a basal body temperature record will reveal a sustained
high temperature phase, and thus enable an operator to avoid hysterosalpingography
when a pregnancy may exist. Salpingography should not be performed if the blood
is exuding from the cervical os (which occasionally occurs without the patient
being aware of it) or if any gross evidence of endocervicitis exists. Careful
aseptic technique should be employed as for any operative procedure in which
the uterus is entered. A self-retaining cannula should be used thereby
permitting removal of the vaginal speculum so that the outline of the cervical
canal may be seen in the film. The use of a radio-opaque aluminum speculum may
be employed in patients where a lacerated or patulous cervix does not permit
the use of a retaining cannula.
The radio-opaque agent is introduced under pressure and
preferably with fluoroscopic control. A preliminary film is exposed and a skiagram
is made after the injection of 5 mL of the agent. The pressure is raised to
80-90 mm Hg. In cases of normal bilateral tubal patency, the pressure falls
immediately to below 60 mm Hg. The wet film may be viewed immediately and if
both tubes are seen to “fill”, the apparatus is removed and the
procedure is finished, except for the 24 hour follow-up to establish whether or
not “spill” into the peritoneal cavity has occurred.
Increments of 2 mL of the agent are injected and successive
films exposed until tubal patency is established or until the patient's limit of
tolerance to discomfort is reached. Few patients will complain of discomfort at
pressures under 200 mm Hg.
In Lymphography
This method applies for both the upper and lower
extremities. A lymphatic vessel is selected for cannulization.
The patient should be comfortably arranged in a supine
position on a portable stretcher or an x-ray table. When available, a radiolucent
pad will add to the patient's comfort during the one to two hours required for
completion of the examination. It is important that the patient be in a
cooperative state. Premedication might be advisable in the unusually
apprehensive patient. In the unusually restless patient, the extremities should
be immobilized during the entire procedure to prevent displacement of the needle.
Thomas splints have been satisfactorily employed for the legs and simple arm
boards for the upper extremities. The cut-down and injection instruments and
materials include the following:
Sterile pediatric cut-down set
Sterile towels for draping, sponges, etc.
Local anesthetic, such as procaine hydrochloride, and a
syringe
Bactericidal painting solution
20 mL syringe containing 15 mL of Ethiodol (ethiodized oil) with an 18 inch
catheter to which is affixed a 27 or 30 gauge needle. (If bilateral lymphography
is scheduled, two syringes should be prepared.)
A manually driven or motorized unit (a pressure regulated
pump) to provide for slow injection.
Under local infiltration anesthesia, a transverse,
curvilinear or longitudinal small skin incision should be made near the ankle
or wrist (just lateral and distal to the first metatarsal head on the dorsum of
the foot, or just over the “snuff-box” in the dorsum of the hand). Upon
superficial dissection (but not penetrating the subcutaneous layer of tissue)
lymph vessels will be noted in the immediate subcutaneous tissue, while larger
lymph vessel trunks are found in the extrafascial plane. The deeper lymph
trunks will be easier to cannulate.
One lymph vessel is then exposed, avoiding circumferential
dissection. The less manipulation performed, the better the results that will
be obtained. The lymphatic, thus isolated, is then cannulated with a 27 or 30
gauge5/8 inch needle, depending upon the size of the lymphatic selected for
injection. It is rarely possible to cannulate with a needle greater than 27
gauge. Insertion of the needle through the skin flap before cannulating the
lymphatic serves to reduce the movement of the needle within the vessel.
Additional security of the needle in the lymphatic is obtained by strapping,
with sterile tape, the polyethylene tubing to the patient's foot.
The injection should be started at a slow rate, i.e., 0.1 mL
to 0.2 mL per minute. Radiographic monitoring either by fluoroscopy or serial
radiographs after 1 mL to 2 mL has been injected, will confirm the proper
intralymphatic placement of the needle, rule out accidental intravenous
injection or extravasation of the medium by perforation or rupture of the
lymphatic. Monitoring will also permit prompt termination of the procedure in
the event that lymphatic blockage is present. In such situations, continuation
of the injection will result in unnecessary introduction of contrast material
in the venous system via the lymphovenous communication channels. If the
injection is satisfactory, approximately 6 to 8 mL, are then injected. However,
as soon as it becomes radiographically evident that Ethiodol (ethiodized oil) has entered the
thoracic duct, the procedure should be terminated to minimize entry of the
contrast material into the subclavian vein. Two to four mL of Ethiodol (ethiodized oil) injected
into the upper extremity will suffice to demonstrate the axillary and supraclavicular
nodes. In penile lymphography approximately 2 to 3 mL of Ethiodol (ethiodized oil) is required.
In infants and children, a minimum of 1 mL to a maximum of 6 mL should be
employed.
The rate of speed at which the contrast material may be
introduced varies and is dependent upon receptivity of the lymphatics in the individual
patient. If the injection is proceeding at too rapid a rate, extravasation will
be noted and the patient may refer to pain in the foot, leg or arm.
At the completion of the injection, anteroposterior
roentgenograms are obtained of the legs or arms, thighs, pelvis, abdomen and
chest (dorsal spine technique). Lateral or oblique views as well as laminograms
are obtained when indicated. Follow-up films at 24 or 48 hours provide better
demonstration of lymph nodes and permit more concise evaluation of nodal
architecture.
As a general rule, the smallest possible amount of Ethiodol (ethiodized oil)
should be employed according to the anatomical area to be visualized. Therefore,
and to prevent inadvertent venous administration, fluoroscopic monitoring or
serial radiographic guidance of patients is recommended during the injection of
Ethiodol (ethiodized oil) .
Average dose in the adult patient for unilateral
lymphography of the upper extremities is 2 to 4 mL; of lower extremities, 6 to
8 mL; of penile lymphography, 2 to 3 mL; of cervical lymphography, 1 to 2 mL.
In the pediatric patient, a minimum of 1 mL to a maximum of
6 mL may be employed according to the anatomical area to be visualized.
Summary Of Steps To Avoid Complications In Lymphography5
- Contraindicate patients:
- With a known hypersensitivity to Ethiodol (ethiodized oil)
- With a right to left cardiac shunt
- With advanced pulmonary disease, especially those with alveolar-capillary
block. Pulmonary gas diffusion studies should be done if in doubt.
- Who have had radiation therapy to the lungs
- Proceed with caution:
- Patients having markedly advanced neoplastic disease with expected lymphatic
obstruction.
- Patients having undergone previous surgery interrupting the lymphatic
system.
- Patients having had deep radiation therapy to the examined area.
If in those cases in which extreme caution should be exercised, lymphography
is still necessary, a smaller dose of oily contrast medium with protracted
injection time with less pressure and careful monitoring is required.
- Skin testing should be done on all patients before submitting them to lymphography.
Be aware of possible hypersensitivity to local anesthetics and skin disinfectants.
Careful history taking is important.
- Technique of cannulation: extravasation is to be avoided and/or detected
early. The injection site should be included on the “scout film”
or observed under image amplification fluoroscopy. The needle tip must remain
visible in the incision wound.
- Oily contrast materials: once opened, ampules should be discarded. Ampules
of Ethiodol (ethiodized oil) should not be used if the color has darkened or if particulate
matter is present. The average dose for each foot in an adult is 5 to 6 mL;
one-half as much for the upper extremity. The amount for children should be
deter- mined by careful monitoring. It should stay below 0.25 mL/kg.
- Injection pressure should be regulated to deliver the average dose in no
less than 11/4 hours. Continuous monitoring helps to determine the speed most
appropriate for each individual. Sensation of pain is a warning of too high
pressure.
- Scout roentgenograms: if scout roentgenograms are used for monitoring,
they should be developed and viewed immediately in order to apply corrective
measures when needed; e.g., discontinuation of the study when one sees intravenous
injection or lymphatico-venous anastomosis. Reduction of injection speed is
needed if evidence of collateral circulation occurs or if the higher abdomino-aortic
nodes do not opacify in spite of the usual injection pressure. This is highly
suggestive of lymphatic obstruction. Scout roentgenograms should be taken
more frequently in such cases.
- Surgical technique: strict aseptic surgical technique is followed including
the wearing of a face mask. Before suturing the incision wound, the remnants
of the lymphatic vessels and loose tissue are removed and the wound well washed
with saline to remove any possible oil. In case of reflux type lymphedema,
the cannulated large lymphatic vessel may have to be closed by catgut to avoid
development of a lymphocyst.
The patient is instructed to elevate the legs as often as
possible to promote healing. The sutures are removed from the feet on the 10th
day, and on the 5th or 6th from the hands.
HOW SUPPLIED
Ethiodol (ethiodized oil for injection) is supplied in a box
of two 10 ml ampules, NDC 0281-7062-37.
Store at controlled room temperature 15°-30°C (59°-86°F).
Protect from light. Remove from carton only upon use.
Parenteral and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution
and container permit. Ethiodol brand of ethiodized oil for injection is straw
to amber color under normal conditions. (See DESCRIPTION).
REFERENCES
2. Bronk, et. al.:“Oil Embolism in
Lymphography”,Radiation, 80:194, February 1963.
3. Fuchs, S.A.,“Complications in Lymphography With Oily
Contrast Media”, Acta Radiol., 57:247, November 1962.]
4. Viamonte, M. Jr., University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, Private Communication.
5. Kuisk, H., “Techniques of Lymphography and
Principles of Interpretation”,1971, Warren H. Green, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri, 63105.
A development of Guerbet Laboratories.
Savage Laboratories, A Division Of Altana Inc., Melville, New
York 11747, R7/99.