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Updated: May 11, 2026
07:36
Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
Published on: May 1, 2015
Lymphoedema caused by idiopathic lymphatic thrombus
Hisako Hara1, Makoto Mihara, Yukio Seki
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
Summary
A lymphatic thrombus, a yellow solid substance within lymphatic vessels, was discovered during surgery for primary lymphoedema. This finding suggests lymphatic thrombi may cause idiopathic lymphoedema, aiding research into its mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Lymphatic Physiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Primary lymphoedema encompasses conditions with known genetic causes and those with unknown pathologies.
- Lymphatic vascular anomalies can lead to significant limb swelling and discomfort.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old male presented with idiopathic oedema in his left foot, diagnosed via indocyanine green lymphography showing lymphatic stasis.
- During lymphatico-venous anastomosis (LVA) surgery, unusual yellow, solid-filled vessels were identified beneath the superficial fascia of the ankle.
Findings:
- Pathological examination confirmed the "yellow vessels" were lymphatic vessels containing thrombi composed of hyaline material and lymphatic endothelial cells (podoplanin-positive).
- No evidence of malignancy was detected in the examined thrombi.
Implications:
- The presence of idiopathic lymphatic thrombi could represent a novel cause of primary lymphoedema.
- Further investigation into these lymphatic thrombi may illuminate the underlying mechanisms of primary lymphoedema development.
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