Alterations in Pulmonary Diffusion Capacity after Lymphangiography

Lymphangiography produces marked abnormalities of lung function, especially of gas diffusion, due to oil embolism. For this reason, patients with lung diseases affecting gas diffusion should be excluded from this diagnostic procedure. On the other hand, patients with normal lung function, but insufficient oxygen supply for cardiac or cerebral reasons, should be selected very carefully before lymphography. Patients suffering from chronic cor pulmonale should not undergo lymphography because of the additional stress to the lung circulation.