Primary upper-limb lymphedema.
August 2012
Vignes S, Arrault M, Yannoutsos A, Blanchard M.
Source
Department of Lymphology, Centre National de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires
Rares (lymphœdèmes primaires), Hôpital Cognacq-Jay, 75015 Paris, France.
Abstract
Background: Lymphedema is a general term applied to designate pathological regional accumulation of protein-rich fluid. It can be either primary or secondary, mainly after cancer treatment.
Objective: To analyze clinical and lymphoscintigraphic characteristics of primary upper-limb lymphedema.
Method: All patients with upper-limb lymphedema (January 2007-December 2011) recruited in a single Department of Lymphology were included.
Results: Sixty patients (33 females, 27 males) were enrolled. For the 54 noncongenital lymphedemas, mean age at onset was 38.5 (3-82) years. Lymphedema was unilateral in 51 (85%) patients. It always affected the hand, but less often the forearm (55%) or upper arm (23%). Eleven (18%) patients developed cellulitis after lymphedema onset. Twenty-one (35%) patients had associated lower-limb lymphedema. Forty-six patients (with 49 lymphedematous limbs) underwent
lymphoscintigraphy: axillary lymph-node uptake was diminished in 18 (37%), absent in 24 (49%) and normal in 7 limbs (14%). Among the 43 patients with unilateral lymphedema and lymphoscintigraphy, 28 had epitrochlear node visualization, suggesting a re-routing through the deep lymphatic system, 15 only on the lymphedematous limb and 22 on the contralateral nonlymphedematous limb. Median follow-up was 103 months and 57/60 (95%) patients considered their lymphedema stable.
Conclusion: Primary upper-limb lymphedema appears later in life than lower-limb lymphedema without sex predominance. Infectious complications are rare and patients considered the lymphedema volume stable throughout life.
PubMed
Showing posts with label unilateral lymphedema. Show all posts
Showing posts with label unilateral lymphedema. Show all posts
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Monday, September 21, 2009
The CEAP-L classification for lymphedemas of the limbs: the Italian experience.
The CEAP-L classification for lymphedemas of the limbs: the Italian experience.
Int Angiol. 2009 Aug
Gasbarro V, Michelini S, Antignani PL, Tsolaki E, Ricci M, Allegra C.
Unit of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgical, Anesthesiological and Radiological Sciences, Sant'Anna University Hospital, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy allegra@mclink.it.
AIM: A method to classificate lymphedema has been needed to gather all the important information on the clinical evolution of the disease using a common language and an easy clinical applicability.
METHODS: The proposal for a new classification of the limb lymphedema was inspired by the C.E.A.P. classification for chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limb. The classification adopts the acronym C.E.A.P. by adding the letter L to underline the aspect ''lymphedema'' and is based on clinical data such as extension of lymphedema, presence of lymphangitis, leg ulcers and loss of functionality of the limb and instrumental criteria that permit to confirm and precise diagnosis. The Clinical classification is based on the most objective sign in these patients, the edema which is subdivided into 5 classes depending on the clinical manifestations. The etiological aspect considers 2 types of alterations of the lymphatic system: congenital and acquired. The anatomic is aimed to locate the anatomical structures involved. Pathophysiological conditions are gathered into 5 groups: agenesia or hypoplasia, hyperplasia, reflux, overload, obstruction.
RESULTS: The classification has already been appraised after 4 years of activity at the unit of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of Ferrara, at the S. Giovanni Battista Hospital in Rome, at the Umberto I Ancona Hospital and at the S. Giovanni- Addolorata Hospital in Rome.
CONCLUSIONS: The proposal for a new classification of lymphedema C.E.A.P. L was developed in order to categorize patients with definite and objective marks, creating clinical reports with a common vocabulary, clear to all clinicians, permitting to stage the disease, evaluate treatment and finally obtain epidemiological and statistical data.
PubMed
Int Angiol. 2009 Aug
Gasbarro V, Michelini S, Antignani PL, Tsolaki E, Ricci M, Allegra C.
Unit of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgical, Anesthesiological and Radiological Sciences, Sant'Anna University Hospital, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy allegra@mclink.it.
AIM: A method to classificate lymphedema has been needed to gather all the important information on the clinical evolution of the disease using a common language and an easy clinical applicability.
METHODS: The proposal for a new classification of the limb lymphedema was inspired by the C.E.A.P. classification for chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limb. The classification adopts the acronym C.E.A.P. by adding the letter L to underline the aspect ''lymphedema'' and is based on clinical data such as extension of lymphedema, presence of lymphangitis, leg ulcers and loss of functionality of the limb and instrumental criteria that permit to confirm and precise diagnosis. The Clinical classification is based on the most objective sign in these patients, the edema which is subdivided into 5 classes depending on the clinical manifestations. The etiological aspect considers 2 types of alterations of the lymphatic system: congenital and acquired. The anatomic is aimed to locate the anatomical structures involved. Pathophysiological conditions are gathered into 5 groups: agenesia or hypoplasia, hyperplasia, reflux, overload, obstruction.
RESULTS: The classification has already been appraised after 4 years of activity at the unit of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of Ferrara, at the S. Giovanni Battista Hospital in Rome, at the Umberto I Ancona Hospital and at the S. Giovanni- Addolorata Hospital in Rome.
CONCLUSIONS: The proposal for a new classification of lymphedema C.E.A.P. L was developed in order to categorize patients with definite and objective marks, creating clinical reports with a common vocabulary, clear to all clinicians, permitting to stage the disease, evaluate treatment and finally obtain epidemiological and statistical data.
PubMed
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