Lymphedema: classification, diagnosis and therapy

Abstract

This review presents the diagnostic features, the pathophysiology and the available therapies for lymphedema. This disease is often able to be diagnosed by its characteristic clinical presentation, yet, in some cases, ancillary tests might be necessary to establish the diagnosis, particularly in the early stages of the disease and in edemas of mixed etiology. These diagnostic modalities are also useful in clinical studies. Available modalities include isotopic lymphoscintigraphy, indirect and direct lymphography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and ultrasonography. Lymphedema may be primary or secondary to the presence of other disease and/or to the consequences of surgery. Primary lymphedema may occur at any phase of life but it most commonly appears at puberty. Secondary lymphedema is encountered more often. The most prevalent worldwide cause of lymphedema is filariasis, which is particularly common in south-east Asia. In the USA, postsurgical lymphedema of the extremity prevails. Complications of chronic limb lymphedema include recurrent cellulitis and lymphangiosarcoma. Most patients are treated conservatively, by means of various forms of compression therapy, including complex physical therapy, pneumatic pumps and compressive garments. Volume reducing surgery is performed rarely. Lymphatic microsurgery is still in an experimental stage, although a few centers consistently report favorable outcomes.

The Prevalence of Lymphedema Symptoms Among Survivors of Long-term Cancer with or at Risk for Lower Limb Lymphedema

“…Those who completed this in-person clinical assessment were remunerated $20 and told whether it was likely if their symptoms were consistent with a diagnosis of LLL in accordance with common toxicity criteria grading (CTCAE Version 3.0). 13 If a participant appeared to have lymphedema, according to our in-person screening, we referred them for appropriate treatment and follow-up care. 10 …”

Panniculus morbidus: obesity-related abdominal wall lymphoedema

“…Morbid obesity (BMI ≥40) can cause an obstruction of lymphatic channels,4 which leads to a relative reduction in the drainage capacity of the lymphatic system 5. In this case, lymphatic obstruction did not appear to be the only factor causing panniculus morbidus; reflux and obstruction in the valveless superficial veins of the anterior abdominal wall also appeared to contribute to the oedema.…”

Evaluation of Reports of Peripheral Arterial Colour Doppler Ultrasonography and Demographic Characteristics of Patients Admitted to Department of Emergency Medicine of Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Education And Research Hospital with Prediagnosed Periphera

“…Çalışmamızda en sık tespit edilen tanı olan lenfödem, sıklıkla lenfatik yetmezliğin neden olduğu kronik bir hastalıktır ve en sık alt ekstremitede görülmektedir (16) . Lenfödem prevalansı yapılan yayınlarda 1000 hastada 1.4 olarak bildirilmiştir (17) .…”