CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

The study aim is to evaluate anatomicalvariations of the thoracic duct using aspecialized sequential injection procedure.The different types, frequencies, andanatomical topography were recorded andevaluated using 12 adult and 16 fetusspecimens. By employing a perfusion pumpdevice, cadavers were sequentially perfusedwith acrylic colored latex first through theinternal marginal vein, then the thoracic ductat the interazygous-aortic recess, and finallythrough the posterior tibial artery. Afterperfusion, thoracic ducts were identified,partially dissected, and cadavers fixed bysoaking in an aqueous solution of 5% formalin(v/v). Finally, further dissection and detailedphotography were performed. Plexus shapesat different levels were clearly evident in 80%of the adult specimens. Whereas the presenceof the cisterna chyli was detected in 100 of fetuses as an ampule dilatation at thebeginning of the thoracic duct, in only oneadult specimen was a dilatation found at thelumbar lymphatic trunk level. Functionallyit is not known whether these modifiedanatomical features (plexus shapes) haveserved to compensate (as a derivative pathway)for lymphatic hypertension in life as areflection of lymphatic system challenges andsubsequent growth in the adult specimens.