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

The role of operative management of varicose veins in patients with lymphedema and/or lipedema of the legs.

The role of operative management of varicose veins in patients with lymphedema and/or lipedema of the legs.
Lymphology. 2000 Dec

Földi M, Idiazabal G.
Földiclinic for Lymphology, Hinterzarten, Germany.

The role of operative management of "symptomatic" varicose veins in patients with lower extremity lymphedema or lipedema is controversial. We reviewed the clinical outcome of 261 patients between 1989-1997 at the Földiclinic with lower extremity lymphedema (68 patients), lipo-lymphedema or lympho-lipedema (103 patients) or lipedema (90 patients) who had undergone operation for varicose veins. In each group, the results were dismal as leg swelling worsened or was unchanged in greater than 90% whereas symptoms such as heaviness, fatigue, cramps (termed varicogenic symptomatology) were improved in less than 10%. These findings support that operations for varicose veins in the legs of patients with lymphedema, lipedema, or combinations of these disorders should be undertaken only if there is an absolute indication present (ascending phlebitis and/or bleeding). Otherwise, complete decongestive physiotherapy is still the best treatment approach for these groups of patients.

PMID: 11191657 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]