[Multicollector lymphography and phlebography in lower limb edema following radiation and combination therapy]

A multimodality x-ray study of the lymphatic and venous vessels was performed in 50 patients with secondary edema of the lower limbs. A complete block of the limb superficial lymphatic collectors was observed in 44% of the patients, a partial block in 26%. In 80% of the cases the level of partial or complete occlusion of the lymphatic vessels was noted in the ilioinguinal region and in 20% on the femur and leg. Distrubed permeability of the deep vessels of the femur and ilioinguinal region in the form of a complete or partial block was noted in 46% of the cases. In disturbed peripheral lymphodynamics different compensatory adaptation mechanisms like the functioning of the collateral tracts, lymphovenous anastomoses, the overflow of a radiographic contrast agent from the superficial vessels into the deep ones were observed in 60% of the patients. Indications for multicollector lymphography were defined. In secondary edema of the lower limbs, combined injuries of the lymphatic and venous systems were marked in 62%, an isolated disorder of the outflow of the peripheral lymph through the collector vessels was marked in 38%.