Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026
Integrating Augmented Reality Tools in Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Prognostication and Diagnosis
Published on: February 6, 2020
Localized Arm Volume Index: A New Method for Body Type-Corrected Evaluation of Localized Arm Lymphedematous Volume
Takumi Yamamoto1, Nana Yamamoto, Hidehiko Yoshimatsu
1From the *Department of Plastic Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital; and †Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Background:
Volume measurement is a common evaluation for upper extremity lymphedema. However, volume comparison between different patients with different body types may be inappropriate, and it is difficult to evaluate localized limb volume change using arm volume.
Methods:
Localized arm volumes (Vk, k = 1-5) and localized arm volume indices (LAVIk) at 5 points (1, upper arm; 2, elbow; 3, forearm; 4, wrist; 5, hand) of 106 arms of 53 examinees with no arm edema were calculated based on physical measurements (arm circumferences and lengths and body mass index [BMI]). Interrater and intrarater reliabilities of LAVIk were assessed, and Vk and LAVIk were compared between lower BMI (BMI, <22 kg/m) group and higher BMI (BMI, ≥22 kg/m) group.
Results:
Interrater and intrarater reliabilities of LAVIk were all high (all, r > 0.98). Between lower and higher BMI groups, significant differences were observed in all Vk (V1 [P = 6.8 × 10], V2 [P = 3.1 × 10], V3 [P = 1.1 × 10], V4 [P = 8.3 × 10], and V5 [P = 3.0 × 10]). Regarding localized arm volume index (LAVI) between groups, significant differences were seen in LAVI1 (P = 9.7 × 10) and LAVI5 (P = 1.2 × 10); there was no significant difference in LAVI2 (P = 0.60), LAVI3 (P = 0.61), or LAVI4 (P = 0.22).
Conclusions:
Localized arm volume index is a convenient and highly reproducible method for evaluation of localized arm volume change, which is less affected by body physique compared with arm volumetry.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Assessment 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...
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure