Related Experiment Videos
[Erysipelas and lymphedema--egg or hen?]
Zeitschrift Fur Hautkrankheiten
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Erysipelas infections can worsen underlying primary lymphedema, leading to clinical symptoms. Indirect lymphography reveals lymphatic abnormalities in both affected and healthy limbs, suggesting pre-existing conditions.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Dermatology
- Lymphatic Imaging
Context:
- Erysipelas, a bacterial skin infection, frequently affects the lower extremities.
- Lymphedema is a common complication following recurrent erysipelas.
- The exact nature of erysipelas-induced lymphatic dysfunction remains debated.
Purpose:
- To investigate lymphatic abnormalities in patients with a history of erysipelas using indirect lymphography.
- To differentiate between secondary lymphedema and exacerbated primary lymphedema post-erysipelas.
- To characterize pathological changes in initial lymphatics and peripheral lymph-collectors.
Summary:
- Indirect lymphography was performed on 16 patients with erysipelas history, visualizing lymphatic systems in 19 legs.
- Clinical lymphedema was observed in 14 of 19 affected legs.
- Pathological findings in initial lymphatics and peripheral lymph-collectors were prevalent in both erysipelas-affected and healthy contralateral limbs, indicating primary lymphedema exacerbated by erysipelas.
Impact:
- Findings challenge the classification of erysipelas-related lymphedema as solely secondary.
- Suggests erysipelas acts as a trigger or exacerbating factor for pre-existing primary lymphedema.
- Highlights the importance of considering primary lymphatic abnormalities in patients presenting with erysipelas and subsequent edema.