[Pathogenesis of primary lymphedemas]

The role of the involvement of regional limph-node relays is already known, in the genesis of secondary lymphatic oedemas. With regard to the primary lymphatic oedemas however the role of regional lymph-nodes is considered to be limited. Following a complex investigation of an important clinical material the authors conclude that, in cases of primary lymphatic oedemas the determinat lesion is in the regional lymph nodes, and that it consists in an alteration of the filtration capacity, as well as in a reduction of the processing capabilities by the lymph nodes of the lymph flowing from the afferent lymph vessels. Simultaneously with the functional alterations lymphography revealed a series of changes, and macro- and microscopic examination also showed morphological pathologic alterations. The clinicat evolution and the prognosis of the oedema in the limb involved will depend on the extension and the evolution of these lesions.