Diagnostic application of lymphoscintigraphy in the management of lymphoedema

Lymphoedema (LOE) is an under-diagnosed condition which can cause severe incapacitating swelling of the extremities. Misdiagnosis and/or delayed diagnosis are common and the goal of further evaluation is to confirm the cause and determine the type and site of lymphatic obstruction. Lymphoscintigraphy (LSG) is a minimally invasive way of evaluation of the lymphatic system and can be used in the management of the LOE patients. However, many aspects of this useful diagnostic procedure are not fully explained in the medical literature. In this article we briefly explain the etiology and pathophysiology of LOE. Methodology and applications of LSG for the evaluation of this disease are extensively reviewed.