Transaxial computer tomography of lower extremity lymphedema

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Vascular Medicine
• Lymphatic System Studies

Background:

• Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by fluid accumulation.
• Accurate diagnosis and staging of lymphedema are crucial for effective management.
• Non-invasive imaging modalities are needed to assess soft tissue alterations in lymphedema.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of computer tomography (CT) in assessing soft tissue changes associated with isolated unilateral lower limb lymphedema.
• To correlate CT findings with clinical presentation and lymphographic confirmation of lymphatic insufficiency.
• To determine if CT can be used to monitor treatment response in leg lymphedema.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 11 patients with clinically diagnosed unilateral lower limb lymphedema.
• Confirmation of lymphedema using isotope lymphography.
• Detailed examination of soft tissue alterations using computer tomography.

Main Results:

• CT revealed characteristic findings including soft tissue stranding, skin thickening, epifascial fat deposition, and perimuscular fascial thickening and edema.
• These findings were consistent with lymph stasis.
• CT provided a detailed analysis of soft tissue changes, indicating the extent of lymphatic insufficiency.

Conclusions:

• Computer tomography is a valuable non-invasive tool for analyzing soft tissue changes in leg lymphedema.
• CT can help evaluate the extent of lymphatic insufficiency.
• This imaging technique can potentially document the response to lymphedema treatments.