Lymphedema
In medicine, lymphedema is "edema due to obstruction of lymph vessels or disorders of the lymph nodes."[1]
Diagnosis
Lymphedema should be distinguished from edema, myxedema, and lipedema.[2] Lipedema is more likely to spare the dorsum of the foot.
Physical examination
On physical examination, fast recovery of pitting is associated with lower serum albumin levels.[3] Fast recovery within 2-3 seconds, is more sensitive than specific at detecting hypoalbuminemia. Presumably this is related to the viscosity of the interstitial fluid thus hypoalbuminemic interstitial fluid can reform more quickly.[3]
Imaging
Oil contrast lymphography may be used for diagnosis. Whole-body lymphangioscintigraphy may help in the diagnosis.[4] Magnetic resonance imaging may help in the diagnosis.[5]
Treatment
Multilayer compression bandaging for 2-3 weeks followed by hosiery may reduce the size of limbs with lymphedema.[6]
References
- ↑ Anonymous (2024), Lymphedema (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- ↑ Loughlin V (May 1993). "Massive obesity simulating lymphedema". N. Engl. J. Med. 328 (20): 1496. PMID 8479476. [e]
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Henry JA, Altmann P (April 1978). "Assessment of hypoproteinaemic oedema: a simple physical sign". British medical journal 1 (6117): 890–1. PMID 638510. PMC 1603695. [e] PubMed Central
- ↑ McNeill GC, Witte MH, Witte CL, et al. (August 1989). "Whole-body lymphangioscintigraphy: preferred method for initial assessment of the peripheral lymphatic system". Radiology 172 (2): 495–502. PMID 2748831. [e]
- ↑ Case TC, Witte CL, Witte MH, Unger EC, Williams WH (1992). "Magnetic resonance imaging in human lymphedema: comparison with lymphangioscintigraphy". Magn Reson Imaging 10 (4): 549–58. PMID 1501525. [e]
- ↑ Badger CM, Peacock JL, Mortimer PS (June 2000). <2832::AID-CNCR24>3.0.CO;2-U "A randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial comparing multilayer bandaging followed by hosiery versus hosiery alone in the treatment of patients with lymphedema of the limb". Cancer 88 (12): 2832–7. PMID 10870068. [e]