"DIE-BACK" IN PRIMARY LYMPHEDEMA - LYMPHOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL CORRELATIONS

NCM Fyfe, JHN Wolfe, JB Kinmonth

Abstract


Both obliteration and dilatation of distal lymphatics
are seen in primary lymphedema but it is only in
secondary lymphedema that the lymphographic pro·
gression of the disease has been documented. In this
retrospective study the same progression was found
in 13 out of 20 patients with primary lymphedema.
Each of these patients had initial evidence of prox·
imal lymphatic obstruction. In ten patients the
lymphangiographic changes were associated with a
clinical deterioration of the leg. These findings suggest
some urgency in diagnosing those patients that
may benefit from a lymph bypass procedure.


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