Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Published on: January 12, 2017
Lower extremity lymphedema index: a simple method for severity evaluation of lower extremity lymphedema
Takumi Yamamoto1, Nana Matsuda, Takeshi Todokoro
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan. tyamamoto-tky@umin.ac.jp
Abstract:
Measurement of the circumference is the most commonly used method for evaluating extremity lymphedema. However, comparison between different patients is difficult with this measurement. To resolve this problem, we have formulated a new index, lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) index, which can be easily obtained from measurements of the body. We evaluated correlation between lower LEL index and clinical stage in patients with LEL. The LEL indices were significantly correlated with clinical stages and could be used as a severity scale. The LEL index makes objective assessment of the severity of lymphedema through a numerical rating, regardless of the body type. This numerical rating makes the index useful for evaluation of lymphedema severities between different cases.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

