X-ray opacification of hepatic lymph nodes following intravenous injection of tantalum dust.

Available methods for x-ray opacification of lymph nodes rely upon either an intraperitoneal or an intralymphatic injection of contrast material. Intraperitoneal injection leads to opacification of intrathoracic, internal mammary nodes while injection into a peripheral lymphatic results in opacification of regional nodes. A successful attempt to obtain x-ray visualization of hepatic lymph nodes following intravenous administration of contrast material forms the basis for this preliminary report. The method depends upon the uptake of radiopaque powdered tantalum by the liver and subsequent transport of tantalum in hepatic lymph.