Unilateral leg swelling: deep vein thrombosis?

Feb 2011

Bekou V, Galis D, Traber J.

Source

Venenklinik Bellevue, Kreuzlingen, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

We present two cases of a unilateral leg swelling of unusual aetiology as a reminder to the physician to consider causes of unilateral leg swelling other than deep vein thrombosis, lymphoedema and infectious diseases.

CASE REPORTS:

Both of our patients developed progressive leg swelling. Subsequent investigation revealed a lesion compressing the femoral vein. At exploration this was found to be a ganglion cyst. In one patient surgical removal of the cyst and in the other puncture of the cyst and instillation of steroid resulted in prompt resolution of the swelling.

CONCLUSION:

Venous compression due to external cystic lesions, although rare, is recognized. In strange cases this differential diagnosis should also be taken into account. Therapeutic options are the surgical removal or puncture of the cyst.

Phlebology

Please click on the following links for a comparison of leg edema from a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) versus Leg Lymphedema - also Post-Thrombotic Syndrome

High resolution unenhanced computed tomography in patients with swollen legs.

An older abstract from 2002, laying the basic info foundation for understanding CT scans of leg lymphedema. Also mentioned in the article are DVTs and lipedema, and the use of the ultrasound.

The study:

High resolution unenhanced computed tomography in patients with swollen legs.

Sept 2002

Monnin-Delhom ED, Gallix BP, Achard C, Bruel JM, Janbon C.

Source

Service d'Imagerie Medicale, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France. e-monnin@chu-montpellier.fr

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) scan imaging in distinguishing lymphedema from deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and lipodystrophy (lipedema) in patients with swollen legs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

CT scans of the lower limbs were performed in 55 patients with 76 swollen legs (44 lymphedemas, 12 DVT and 20 lipedemas). Thirty-four normal contralateral legs were also similarly evaluated. Primarylymphedema was verified by lymphography or lymphoscintigraphy, whereas secondary lymphedema was documented by a typical clinical history. DVT was established by ultrasound Doppler imaging. The diagnosis of lipedema was made with bilateral swollen legs where lymphoscintigraphy and Doppler examination were both unremarkable. Qualitative CT analysis was based on skin thickening, subcutaneous edema accumulation with a honeycombed pattern, and muscle compartment enlargement.

RESULTS:

Sensitivity and specificity of CT scan for the diagnosis of lymphedema was 93 and 100%, respectively; for lipedema it was 95 and 100%, respectively; andfor DVT it was 91 and 99%, respectively. Skin thickening was found in 42 lymphedemas (95%), in 9 DVT (75%), and in 2 lipedemas (16%). Subcutaneous edema accumulation was demonstrated in 42 legs (95%) with lymphedema and in 5 (42%) with DVT but in none with lipedema. A honeycombed pattern was present only in lymphedema (18 legs or 41%); muscle enlargement was present in all patients with DVT, in no patient with lipedema, and in 4 (9%) with lymphedema.

CONCLUSION:

Edema accumulation is readily demonstrated with plain CT scan and is not present in lipedema. Specific CT features of the subcutaneous fat and muscle compartments allow accurate differentiation between lymphedema and DVT.

PubMed