LYMPHOSCINTIGRAPHY AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IN PATIENTS WITH LYMPHEDEMA OF FILARIAL ORIGIN – AN INDIAN STUDY
Abstract
Lymphedema is a common clinicalproblem. Filariasis is the commonest causeof lymphedema in India and is a chronicdebilitating disease. The purpose of this studyis to highlight the role of lymphoscintigraphyin the evaluation of lymphedema. Our studypopulation consisted of 418 patients diagnosedwith filarial lymphedema of different clinicalstages referred for lymphoscintigraphy of thelimbs by the lymphologist at our institution.An analysis of the various studies was doneto determine how lymphoscintigraphy can beuseful in documentation of the diagnosis,evaluation, as a screening procedure to preventprogression, and to enhance management offilarial lymphedema.