Arteriovenous shunt-circulation in lymphoedematous limbs

In lymphoedema of the extremities arteriovenous shunt circulation develops. Regulation of limb circulation was studied in 28 cases of (primary and secondary) lymphoedema by using the venous isotope dilution method and technetium-macroaggregate perfusion scintigraphy. As a result of lymphoedema, limb circulation (total limb circulation) increases, arteriovenous O2 difference is low and the O2 uptake of the tissues is normal. The development of arteriovenous (micro-, and macro-) shunts can be directly visualized by perfusion scintigraphy. In lymphoedema of the extremities the nutritive--capillary--blood supply of the tissues remains normal and therefore, no trophic disturbances develop. Lymphoedema is often associated with a fairly considerable arteriovenous shunt circulation and, in such cases, the cardiac output as well as cardiac performance are enhanced.