[Clinical picture and blue test for primary lymphedema of the lower extremities]

The parameters of familial anamnesis, of personal anamnesis, epidemiology and the clinical modifications of details are now so well established that a diagnosis of primary lymphedema can be given with fair certainty, without the aid of complementary examinations. The blue test is not conclusive except when carried out and evaluated by an extremely experienced practitioner; there is no point in using ascendant lymphography, especially as it leads to no particular confirmation of therapy. Microlymphography makes it possible to differentiate hereditary lymphedema better. In the fairly rare descendant forms lymphography is still indicated at the current level of research for iconographical as well as therapeutic reasons.