Current Issue

Advances in assessment methods of lymphatic drainage function

ZHAO Jia-Hui¹, WU Ye^2,3, WANG Tai-Wei¹, LIU Hui-Rong^2,3, LIU Yi-Si^1,*

¹School of Nursing, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China；²Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China；³Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China

Abstract

The assessment of lymphatic drainage function is essential for understanding the role of the lymphatic system in fluid homeostasis, immunosurveillance and disease processes. Conventional methods of evaluation rely on dynamic visualization with tracers, such as X-ray lymphangiography, lymphoscintigraphy and magnetic resonance lymphangiography. However, these methods have limitations in terms of invasiveness and resolution, and other aspects. Recent advances in optical technologies and nanomaterials technology have enabled the development of noninvasive, high-precision testing methods, such as photoacoustic imaging and optical coherence tomography, which have made it possible to visualize and analyze lymphatic flow rates, tracer clearance rates and functional abnormalities. In addition, the application of artificial intelligence-assisted analysis, multimodal imaging, and targeted nanoprobes has significantly improved the precision and clinical applicability of these methods. In this article, we systematically review the principles, characteristics, clinical applications and preclinical research progress of nine classical or novel lymphatic drainage function testing techniques. We also discuss the advantages and limitations of each technique and explore the future development trend, aiming to provide insights for basic research and clinical practice.

Key words: lymphatic vessels; lymphatic drainage; molecular imaging; lymphangiography; detection methods

Received: 　　Accepted:

Corresponding author: 刘溢思　　E-mail:

DOI: 10.13294/j.aps.2025.0113

Citing This Article：

ZHAO Jia-Hui, WU Ye, WANG Tai-Wei, LIU Hui-Rong, LIU Yi-Si. Advances in assessment methods of lymphatic drainage function. Acta Physiol Sin 2026; 78 (2): 342-352 (in Chinese with English abstract).