iso-sulfan blue (Lymphazurin)

Indications

• adjunct to lymphography in:
  • primary & secondary lymphedema of the extremities
  • chyluria, chylous ascites or chylothorax
  • lymph node involvement by primary or secondary neoplasm
  • lymph node response to therapeutic modalities

Dosage

• subcutaneous injection
• 1/2 ml into 3 interdigital spaces of each extremity per study
• 3 ml (30 mg) isosulfan blue is, therefore, injected

Injection: 1% aqueous solution (10 mg/mL), 5 mL vials

Adverse effects

• hypersensitivity reactions
• transient or long-term (tattooing) blue coloration

• drug adverse effects of contrast agents

Laboratory

• interferes with:
  • pulse oximetery
  • methemoglobin in blood

Mechanism of action

• upon subcutaneous administration, delineates lymphatic vessels draining the region of injection

More general terms

• contrast agent