Reply to Bourgeois, P. Comment on "Devoogdt et al. The Effectiveness of Fluoroscopy-Guided Manual Lymph Drainage as Part of Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy on the Superficial Lymphatic Architecture in Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Cancers 2023, 15, 1545".

We appreciate the commentary by Pierre Bourgeois [...].

Reliability, concurrent validity, and clinical feasibility of measurement methods determining volume in patients with lower limb lymphedema and healthy controls.

PURPOSE: To investigate reliability, concurrent validity, and clinical feasibility of measurements assessing volume in patients with lower limb lymphedema (LLL) and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To investigate intra- and interrater reliability, 47 patients with LLL and 30 healthy controls were assessed three times by two assessors. To investigate between session reliability, 50 participants were reassessed two weeks later. Each assessment included measurements of the midline region (hip circumference; suprapubic volume), leg volume (perimeter every 4 cm; Perometer®), and foot volume (water displacement; figure-of-eight method). Concurrent validity was assessed with correlation coefficients. Measurements were timed and practical limitations were reviewed. Clinical trial registration number: NCT: 05269264. RESULTS: Measurements of the total volume of different regions showed weak to very high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) (0.131-998). Absolute and relative volume differences had lower ICC values (0.360-0.976). A strong correlation was found between the total volumes of the same region. The Perometer® and figure-of-eight method were the fastest method for leg and foot volume, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The assessed total volumes might be more valuable in assessing the evolution of volume in bilateral LLL than the calculated absolute and relative differences between both limbs. The Perometer® and figure-of-eight method were the most time efficient for leg and foot volume, respectively.Implications for rehabilitationLymphedema is a chronic condition for which a reliable and clinically feasible assessment of volume is essential for the diagnosis, treatment decisions, and the evaluation of the treatment.This study shows that the total leg/foot volumes were more reliable than the calculated absolute and relative differences between both limbs and could therefore more valuable to evaluate bilateral lower limb lymphedema.For the assessment of leg volume, the Perometer® was the most reliable and fastest method.For the evaluation of the foot volume, the figure-of-eight method was overall the best method.

Potential therapeutic effect of a ketogenic diet for the treatment of lymphoedema: Results of an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Lymphoedema is a chronic and progressive disease characterised by excessive accumulation of lymph in the interstitial compartment, leading to tissue swelling and fibroadipose deposition. Lymphangiogenesis is partly regulated by ketone body oxidation, and a ketogenic diet (KD) has shown therapeutic efficacy in a preclinical mouse tail lymphoedema model. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of a KD in patients with secondary lymphoedema. METHODS: Nine patients with unilateral stage 2 lymphoedema secondary to lymphadenectomy were included in this quasi-experimental exploratory study consisting of a short run-in phase to gradually induce ketosis, followed by a classic KD (CKD) and modified Atkins diet (MAD) phase during which patients consumed a CKD and MAD, respectively. Lymphatic function and oedema volume, the primary outcomes, were assessed at baseline and at the end of both the CKD and MAD phase. Secondary outcomes included health-related and lymphedema-specific quality of life (QoL). RESULTS: Seven out of nine patients completed the study protocol. Lymphatic function was improved upon consumption of both a CKD (dermal backflow score [mean ± SD]: 7.29 ± 2.98 vs. 10.86 ± 2.19 at baseline; p = 0.03) and MAD (6.71 ± 2.06; p = 0.02), whereas oedema volume did not decrease during the course of the study (excess limb volume [mean ± SD]: 20.13 ± 10.25% at end of CKD and 24.07 ± 17.77% at end of MAD vs. 20.79 ± 12.96% at baseline; p > 0.99 and p > 0.30, respectively). No changes were observed in health-related, nor lymphoedema-specific QoL at the end of CKD and MAD. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of a KD improved lymphatic function and was associated with a clinically meaningful reduction in oedema volume in some patients (3/7 at end of CKD, 2/7 at end of MAD) with unilateral stage 2 secondary lymphoedema. These results highlight the potential of a KD to improve lymphatic function in patients with lymphoedema. However, further studies are required to substantiate our findings.

SurLym trial: study protocol for a multicentre pragmatic randomised controlled trial on the added value of reconstructive lymphatic surgery to decongestive lymphatic therapy for the treatment of lymphoedema.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphoedema is a chronic condition caused by lymphatic insufficiency. It leads to swelling of the limb/midline region and an increased risk of infection. Lymphoedema is often associated with mental and physical problems limiting quality of life. The first choice of treatment is a conservative treatment, consisting of exercises, skin care, lymph drainage and compression. Reconstructive lymphatic surgery is also often performed, that is, lymphovenous anastomoses, lymph node transfer or a combination. However, robust evidence on the effectiveness of reconstructive lymphatic surgery is missing. Therefore, the objective of this trial is to investigate the added value of reconstructive lymphatic surgery to the conservative treatment in patients with lymphoedema. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A multicentre randomised controlled and pragmatic trial was started in March 2022 in three Belgian university hospitals. 90 patients with arm lymphoedema and 90 patients with leg lymphoedema will be included. All patients are randomised between conservative treatment alone (control group) or conservative treatment with reconstructive lymphatic surgery (intervention group). Assessments are performed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months. The primary outcome is lymphoedema-specific quality of life at 18 months. Key secondary outcomes are limb volume and duration of wearing the compression garment at 18 months. The approach of reconstructive lymphatic surgery is based on presurgical investigations including clinical examination, lymphofluoroscopy, lymphoscintigraphy, lymph MRI or CT angiography (if needed). All patients receive conservative treatment during 36 months, which is applied by the patient's own physical therapist and by the patient self. From months 7 to 12, the hours a day of wearing the compression garment are gradually decreased. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the ethical committees of University Hospitals Leuven, Ghent University Hospital and CHU UCL Namur. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals and presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05064176.

The VASCERN PPL working group patient pathway for primary and paediatric lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema is caused by an imbalance between fluid production and transport by the lymphatic system. This imbalance can be either caused by reduced transport capacity of the lymphatic system or too much fluid production and leads to swelling associated with tissue changes (skin thickening, fat deposition). Its main common complication is the increased risk of developing cellulitis/erysipelas in the affected area, which can worsen the lymphatic function and can be the cause of raised morbidity of the patient if not treated correctly/urgently. The term primary lymphoedema covers a group of rare conditions caused by abnormal functioning and/or development of the lymphatic system. It covers a highly heterogeneous group of conditions. An accurate diagnosis of primary lymphoedema is crucial for the implementation of an optimal treatment plan and management, as well as to reduce the risk of worsening. Patient care is diverse across Europe, and national specialised centres and networks are not available everywhere. The European Reference Network on Rare Multisystemic Vascular Diseases (VASCERN) gathers the best expertise in Europe and provide accessible cross-border healthcare to patients with rare vascular diseases. There are six different working groups in VASCERN, which focus on arterial diseases, hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia, neurovascular diseases, lymphoedema and vascular anomalies. The working group Paediatric and Primary Lymphedema (PPL WG) gathers and shares knowledge and expertise in the diagnosis and management of adults and children with primary and paediatric lymphoedema. The members of PPL WG have worked together to produce this opinion statement reflecting strategies on how to approach patients with primary and paediatric lymphoedema. The objective of this patient pathway is to improve patient care by reducing the time to diagnosis, define the best management and follow-up strategies and avoid overuse of resources. Therefore, the patient pathway describes the clinical evaluation and investigations that lead to a clinical diagnosis, the genetic testing, differential diagnosis, the management and treatment options and the patient follow up at expert and local centres. Also, the importance of the patient group participation in the PPL WG is discussed.

Evaluation of safety and performance of a new prototype self-expandable nitinol venous stent in an ovine model.

Objective: Our study was a prospective in vivo study performed on an animal model to evaluate the safety and performance of a novel venous stent designed specifically for venous applications. Methods: The novel stents were implanted in the inferior vena cava of nine sheep. The stents were deployed with different distances between the closed cell rings to test for if the segments might migrate after being deployed at maximal distance. Three different total lengths were 9, 11, and 13 cm. After 1, 3, and 6 months, vascular injury, thrombus, neointima coverage, and stent migration were evaluated through computed tomography venography and histopathology. Imaging, histology, and integration data were analyzed for each group. Results: All stents were deployed successfully, and all sheep survived until the time of harvesting. In all cases, the native blood vessel sections were intact. The segmented stent parts showed a differently pronounced tissue coverage, depending on the duration of the implantation. Conclusions: The new nitinol stent is safe and feasible to implant in the venous system with a rapid surface coverage. Alteration of stent length did not affect the development of neointimal formation and did not cause migration.

Early Disturbance of Lymphatic Transport as a Risk Factor for the Development of Breast-Cancer-Related Lymphedema.

INTRODUCTION: Breast-cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a frequently occurring and debilitating condition. When lymphedema is diagnosed late, treatment can be expected to be less effective. Lymphofluoroscopy can provide details about the superficial lymphatic architecture and can detect an early disturbance of lymphatic transport (i.e., dermal backflow) before the lymphedema is clinically visible. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether this early disturbance of lymphatic transport visualized by lymphofluoroscopy is a risk factor for the development of BCRL. METHODOLOGY: All patients scheduled for unilateral breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph node dissection or sentinel node biopsy were considered. Patients were assessed at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months postoperatively. During each visit, a clinical assessment was performed to determine the volume difference between both arms and hands (through circumference measurements and water displacement). Clinical BCRL was defined as a ≥5% increase in relative arm volume difference compared to the baseline value. Variables related to (1) the disturbance of lymphatic transport (through lymphofluoroscopy), (2) the demographics and general health of the patient and (3) the breast cancer and treatment of the patient were collected. RESULTS: We included data of 118 patients in the present study. Thirty-eight patients (39.8%) developed BCRL. Early disturbance of lymphatic transport was identified as a risk factor for the development of clinical BCRL (HR 2.808). Breast-cancer- and treatment-related variables such as axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) (HR 15.127), tumor stage (HR 1.745), mastectomy (HR 0.186), number of positive lymph nodes (HR 1.121), number of removed lymph nodes (HR 1.055), radiotherapy of the axilla (HR 2.715), adjuvant taxanes (HR 3.220) and postsurgical complications (HR 2.590) were identified as significant risk factors for the development of BCRL. In the multivariate analysis, age and ALND were withheld as independent risk factors for the development of BCRL. CONCLUSION: Lymphofluoroscopy can identify an early disturbance of lymphatic transport after breast cancer treatment. Patients with an early disturbance of lymphatic transport are considered to be a high-risk group for the development of BCRL. This study also confirms that age and ALND are predictors for the development of BCRL. Therefore, a surveillance program of these patients with lymphofluoroscopy could be useful to identify lymphedema in subclinical stages.

The Effectiveness of Fluoroscopy-Guided Manual Lymph Drainage as Part of Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy on the Superficial Lymphatic Architecture in Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

The objective of this trial was to investigate the effectiveness of fluoroscopy-guided manual lymph drainage (MLD), as part of decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT), on the superficial lymphatic architecture in patients with chronic mild to moderate breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL). This trial was a multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial involving 194 participants with BCRL. Participants were randomised into (1) DLT with fluoroscopy-guided MLD (intervention group), (2) DLT with traditional MLD (control group), or (3) DLT with placebo MLD (placebo group). Superficial lymphatic architecture was evaluated as a secondary outcome, visualised by ICG lymphofluoroscopy at the baseline (B0), post-intensive (P), and post-maintenance phases (P6). Variables were (1) number of efferent superficial lymphatic vessels leaving the dermal backflow region, (2) total dermal backflow score, and (3) number of superficial lymph nodes. The traditional MLD group showed a significant decrease in the number of efferent superficial lymphatic vessels at P (p = 0.026), and of the total dermal backflow score at P6 (p = 0.042). The fluoroscopy-guided MLD and placebo group showed significant decreases in the total dermal backflow score at P (p < 0.001 and p = 0.044, respectively) and at P6 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively); the placebo MLD group showed a significant decrease in the total number of lymph nodes at P (p = 0.008). However, there were no significant between-group differences for the changes in these variables. In conclusion, based on lymphatic architecture outcomes, the added value of MLD, in addition to the other parts of DLT, could not be demonstrated in patients with chronic mild to moderate BCRL.

Does Manual Lymphatic Drainage Add Value in Reducing Suprafascial Fluid Accumulation and Skin Elasticity in Patients With Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of fluoroscopy-guided manual lymph drainage (MLD) versus that of traditional and placebo MLD, when added to decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT) for the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) (EFforT-BCRL trial), on the suprafascial accumulation of lymphatic fluid and skin elasticity. METHODS: In this multicenter, 3-arm, double-blind, randomized controlled trial (EFforT-BCRL trial), 194 participants (mean age = 61 [SD = 10] years) with unilateral BCRL were recruited. All participants received standardized DLT (education, skin care, compression therapy, exercises) and were randomized to fluoroscopy-guided, traditional, or placebo MLD. Participants received 60 min/d of treatment during the 3-week intensive phase and 18 sessions of 30 minutes during the 6-month maintenance phase. During this phase, participants were instructed to wear a compression garment, to perform exercises, and to perform a self-MLD procedure once daily. This study comprises secondary analyses of the EFforT-BCRL trial. Outcomes were the amount of fluid accumulation in the suprafascial tissues (local tissue water, extracellular fluid, and thickness of the skin and subcutaneous tissue) and skin elasticity at the level of the arm and trunk. Measurements were performed at baseline; after intensive treatment; after 1, 3, and 6 months of maintenance treatment; and after 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: At the level of the arm, there was a significant improvement over time in the 3 groups for most of the outcomes. At the level of the trunk, no remarkable improvement was noted within the individual groups. No significant interaction effects (between-group differences) were present. Only skin elasticity at the level of the arm, evaluated through palpation, showed a significant interaction effect. CONCLUSION: All 3 groups showed similar improvements in response to DLT regardless of the type of MLD that was added. The effect of the addition of MLD to other components of DLT for reducing local tissue water and extracellular fluid or skin thickness and for improving skin elasticity and fibrosis in participants with chronic BCRL was limited. IMPACT: Although MLD has been applied all over the world for many years, evidence regarding its added value in reducing arm volume in patients with BCRL is lacking. These results show that adding MLD to other components of DLT has limited value in reducing local tissue water and extracellular fluid or skin thickness and in improving skin elasticity and fibrosis in patients with chronic BCRL. To date, there is no clinical indication to continue including time-consuming MLD in physical therapist sessions for patients with chronic BCRL.

Paediatric lymphoedema: An audit of patients seen by the paediatric and primary lymphoedema group of vascular European Reference Network (VASCERN).

Little is known about the overall prevalence of lymphoedema in children and the types of paediatric lymphoedema seen by specialist centres. Therefore, this study was aimed to provide a profile of children with primary or secondary lymphoedema seen by the expert centres of the paediatric and primary lymphoedema working group (PPL-WG) of VASCERN and to compare the profile between the different countries. A retrospective review of all children (aged up to 18 years) seen for the first time by the expert centres over one year (2019) was carried out. Lymphoedema-, patient- and genetics-related data was collected and described for the whole group and compared between the different European countries/UK. In 2019, a total of 181 new children were seen by eight expert centres. For primary lymphoedema, the phenotype was based on the St George's classification of lymphatic anomalies. The percentages diagnosed according to each category were: 7.2% for syndromic lymphoedema, 2.8% for systemic/visceral involvement, 30.4% for congenital, 35.9% for late-onset lymphoedema and 19.3% for vascular/lymphatic malformations. 4.4% had secondary lymphoedema. Nearly 10% of all children had had at least one episode of cellulitis. The median delay from onset of symptoms to being seen by an expert centre was 2.4 years. In 44.4% of the children with primary lymphoedema a genetic test was performed, of which 35.8% resulted in a molecular diagnosis. Across the different centres, there was a wide variety in distribution of the different categories of paediatric lymphoedema diagnosed and the frequency of genetic testing. In conclusion, this paper has demonstrated that there is a large delay between the onset of paediatric lymphoedema and the first visit in the expert centres and that an episode of cellulitis is a relatively common complication. Diagnostic variation across the centres may reflect different referral criteria. Access to genetic testing was limited in some centres. It is recommended that these issues are addressed in the future work of the PPL-WG to improve the referral to the expert centres and the consistency in service provision for paediatric lymphoedema in Europe.

Manual lymphatic drainage with or without fluoroscopy guidance did not substantially improve the effect of decongestive lymphatic therapy in people with breast cancer-related lymphoedema (EFforT-BCRL trial): a multicentre randomised trial.

QUESTIONS: When added to decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT), what is the effect of fluoroscopy-guided manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) versus traditional MLD or placebo MLD for the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL)? DESIGN: Multicentre, three-arm, randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis and blinding of assessors and participants. PARTICIPANTS: At five hospitals in Belgium, 194 participants with unilateral chronic BCRL were recruited. INTERVENTION: All participants received standard DLT (education, skin care, compression therapy and exercises). Participants were randomised to also receive fluoroscopy-guided MLD (n = 65), traditional MLD (n = 64) or placebo MLD (n = 65). Participants received 14 sessions of physiotherapy during the 3-week intensive phase and 17 sessions during the 6-month maintenance phase. Participants performed self-management on the other days. OUTCOME MEASURES: All outcomes were measured: at baseline; after the intensive phase; after 1, 3 and 6 months of maintenance phase; and after 6 months of follow-up. The primary outcomes were reduction in excess volume of the arm/hand and accumulation of excess volume at the shoulder/trunk, with the end of the intensive phase as the primary endpoint. Secondary outcomes included daily functioning, quality of life, erysipelas and satisfaction. RESULTS: Excess lymphoedema volume decreased after 3 weeks of intensive treatment in each group: 5.3 percentage points of percent excessive volume (representing a relative reduction of 23.3%) in the fluoroscopy-guided MLD group, 5.2% (relative reduction 20.9%) in the traditional MLD group and 5.4% (relative reduction 24.8%) in the placebo MLD group. The effect of fluoroscopy-guided MLD was very similar to traditional MLD (between-group difference 0.0 percentage points, 95% CI -2.0 to 2.1) and placebo MLD (-0.2 percentage points, 95% CI -2.1 to 1.8). Fluid accumulated at the shoulder/trunk in all groups. The average accumulation with fluoroscopy-guided MLD was negligibly less than with traditional MLD (-3.6 percentage points, 95% CI -6.4 to -0.8) and placebo MLD (-2.4 percentage points, 95% CI -5.2 to 0.4). The secondary outcomes also showed no clinically important between-group differences. CONCLUSION: In patients with chronic BCRL, MLD did not provide clinically important additional benefit when added to other components of DLT. REGISTRATION: NCT02609724.

A prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial comparing endovenous laser ablation, using a 1470 nm diode laser in combination with a Tulip-TipTM fiber versus radiofrequency (Closure FAST™ VNUS®), in the treatment of primary varicose veins.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of chronic venous disease, has largely shifted from high ligation and stripping to endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) techniques, because of its comparable efficacy and lack of invasiveness. This clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy of two thermal ablation techniques, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) 1470-nm with Tulip-TipTM fiber and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) ClosureFastTM using a non-inferiority design for occlusion rate (primary outcome). METHODS: A prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial randomized 280 patients for the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux. Primary outcome was the GSV occlusion rate, secondary outcome factors were the possible side-effects of the treatment such as pain, ecchymosis, quality of Life (CIVIQ-20), revised Venous Clinical Severity Score (r-VCSS). One-year follow-up period. RESULTS: The total occlusion rates at one year follow-up were 96.4% and 94.5% in the EVLA and RFA groups respectively (P=0.15). Regarding secondary outcomes, such as postoperative CIVIQ-20, r-VCSS, analgesia, absenteeism, there was no significant difference between both treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: RFA and EVLA, using a 1470 nm laser with Tulip-TipTM fiber, of the GSV results in equal occlusion rates at one year, with comparable postoperative pain and improved quality of life.

The ICC Compression Questionnaire: A Comprehensive Tool to Evaluate Compression Materials or Devices Applied in Subjects with Lymphedema or Chronic Venous Disease.

Background: Compression therapy is an important part of the treatment of patients with lymphedema or chronic venous disease. However, there is no validated questionnaire evaluating the effect of compression and its acceptance by the patient. Therefore, the aims of this study were to construct a questionnaire evaluating the effect of compression and its acceptance by the patient, that is, the Dutch ICC Compression Questionnaire (ICC-CQ), to investigate its reliability and validity, and to translate it into English. Methods and Results: Eleven experts in applying compression and 51 Dutch patients with experience of using compression were involved in the construction process. One part of the ICC-CQ has to be completed by the patient and evaluates seven domains. The other part has to be completed by the health care provider and comprises three domains. Reliability and validity of the final version was investigated in a new group of 79 Dutch-speaking patients with lymphedema or chronic venous disease, wearing compression garments (N = 52) or bandages (N = 27). Except for one domain, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficients for test-rest/interrater reliability ranged from 0.55 to 0.93. Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency ranged from 0.71 to 0.97. Eighty-nine percent of the patients fully understood the questionnaire indicating good face validity, and 87% found it complete indicating good content validity. Construct validity was considered good since 10 out of 11 hypotheses were accepted. Conclusion: The ICC-CQ is the first reliable and valid questionnaire evaluating different kinds of compression and the experience by patients with lymphedema or chronic venous disease.

Relation Between Early Disturbance of lymphatic transport Visualized With Lymphofluoroscopy and Other Clinical Assessment Methods in Patients With Breast Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphedema of the upper extremity is one of the most feared complications following breast cancer treatment. Lymphofluoroscopy is a sensitive instrument for detection of lymphedema and visualization of superficial lymphatic transport, thus suitable for early detection. Early detection of lymphedema is important as it can prevent lymphedema to progress into more severe stages and minimalize impact on quality of life and medical costs. OBJECTIVE: To determine agreement between the presence of early disturbance of the lymphatic transport and outcome of clinical measurement tools evaluating the development of lymphedema. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 128 breast cancer patients scheduled for breast cancer surgery. Patients were evaluated before surgery and 1, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months' post-surgery. Cohen's Kappa was used to determine agreement between presence of early disturbance in lymphatic transport and presence of pitting/increased skinfold thickness/increased Percentage Water Content ratio (PWC)/increased arm-hand volume (circumference measures and water displacement). RESULTS: For pitting status (Kappa 0.23), for skinfold thickness (Kappa 0.29) and the PWC ratio (Kappa 0.21) a minimal agreement was found. The circumference measurement had a minimal agreement for 5% volume difference (Kappa 0.22) and no agreement for 3% volume difference (Kappa 0.19). Sensitivity was weak for all clinical assessments. The specificity was excellent for pitting status, skinfold thickness, PWC ratio, and for 5% volume difference. For 3% a high specificity was found. CONCLUSION: The clinical tools assessed in this study were not able to predict an early disturbance of the lymphatic transport seen on lymphofluoroscopy.

The Interrater Reliability of the Scoring of the Lymphatic Architecture and Transport Through Near-InfraRed Fluorescence Lymphatic Imaging in Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema.

Background: Of the 1.38 million women who are diagnosed every year with breast cancer worldwide, 21% will develop arm lymphedema. Near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging (NIRFLI) is an effective method for real-time evaluation of the lymphatic system. Reliability studies of the scoring of this NIRFLI are lacking. The aim of this study is to investigate if evaluation of the superficial lymphatic architecture and transport in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema through NIRFLI can be performed in a reliable way. Methods and Results: The outcome parameters used to assess agreement were the presence of lymphatic transport from the injection sites, of dermal backflow patterns, of efferent lymphatic vessels, and of lymph nodes. The NIRFLI evaluations were scored before and after a break separately by two assessors. Twenty patients with lymphedema of the arm and/or hand were included. After the injection, there was weak to very strong agreement regarding the presence of transport from the injection sites (K = 0.459-1.000). The interpretation of the type of dermal backflow pattern varied from weak (WK = 0.452) to very strong agreement (WK = 1.000) between the two assessors. Agreement in the visualization of efferent lymphatic vessels was weak before and after the break (K = 0.490 and K = 0.571) and agreement regarding the presence of lymph nodes was very strong (K = 1.000). Conclusion: Overall, there was moderate to strong agreement between the assessors when evaluating the lymphatic architecture and transport through NIRFLI. The study has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02609724).

The discovery of the lymphatic system in the 17th century. Part VII: the rise of vascular injection.

In the second half of the seventeenth century, vascular injection was introduced in anatomy for the study of the mechanism of secretion of bodily fluids, a phenomenon into which the lymphatic system plays an important role. Injection became a routine procedure in the second half of the seventeenth century. Reinier de Graaf developed an appropriate syringe to inject liquid into minuscule tubules. He was the first to observe that water injected into seminiferous tubules was partially repelled by transudation to be absorbed by neighbouring lymph vessels. He also injected lymph vessels in and around the uterus and ovaries. His study friend Johannes Swammerdam developed a coloured hardening wax and Ruysch injected coloured hardening wax into vessels and ducts of lymph nodes and excretory glands. Ruysch introduced combined injection - corrosion procedures which resulted in delicate structures, including capillaries. He denied the presence of glandular structures in organs as described by Malpighi, and made blood vessels inclusive lymph vessels agents instead of aids to fluid secretion. His ideas resulted in the concept of the body being completely vascular, a theory which became commonplace in Dutch medical circles. Antony Nuck, the professor in medicine at the Leiden University, injected an amalgam of quicksilver and tin for further evaluation of the lymphatic system. He thought that lymph vessels originated from distal arteries and sustained that the shape of pores in these arteries determined the mechanisms of secretion in secretory glands and in lymph glands. He introduced lymphography.

The discovery of the lymphatic system in the seventeenth century. Part VI: the microscopic discovery of the subtle anatomy.

The discovery of chyle and lymph vessels had furthered the dream of understanding the body's structure and functions. Initially it was thought that chyle was sucked from the intestines through the open mouths of chyle vessels, and that lymph vessels were side branches of arterial end branches. In the second half of the 17th century, microscopy became an adjuvant for research into the subtle anatomy of the lymphatic system. In the present paper, we will focus on its initial use for the study of the structure and function of chyle and lymph vessels, and lymph glands.

Cross-cultural validation of the French version of the Lymphedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Upper Limb Lymphedema (Lymph-ICF-UL).

PURPOSE: Upper limb lymphedema is a vexing morbidity that can occur after the treatment for breast cancer. The Lymphedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Upper Limb Lymphedema (Lymph-ICF-UL) is a valid and reliable tool assessing problems in functioning in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Until now, a French-language version was lacking. The aim of this study was to perform a cross-cultural validation of the French version of the Lymph-ICF-UL questionnaire. METHODS: A forward-backward translation process between the original language (Dutch) and the target language (French) was performed. Psychometric properties of this final French version were examined in 50 participants. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients for test-retest reliability ranged from 0.66 to 0.95. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for internal consistency were higher than 0.77. Face and content validity were very good because the scoring system was clear for all participants (100%), questions were understandable (100%), and all complaints due to BCRL were mentioned by 78% of the participants. Construct validity was moderate. Convergent validity was established since 3 out of 5 expected domains of the Lymph-ICF-UL showed a moderate correlation with expected domains of the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. There was satisfactory divergent validity as 6 out of 9 hypotheses assessing divergent validity were accepted. CONCLUSION: The French version of the Lymph-ICF-UL is a reliable and valid questionnaire and ready for use in clinical as well as in scientific practice.Implications for rehabilitationSince the introduction of more effective treatment modalities increasing the number of breast cancer survivors, the amount of patients dealing with lymphedema is rising likewise up to a pooled incidence rate of more than 16% of the women treated for breast cancer.The French version of the Lymph-ICF-UL is a reliable and valid questionnaire for assessing problems in functioning of patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema of the arm and/or hand.As the questionnaire provides patient information in the different domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, it facilitates evaluating the impact of breast cancer-related lymphedema on daily functioning.Based on the outcomes of the Lymph-ICF-UL treatment goals can be set, where after the questionnaire can be used to monitor long-term results of this treatment and self-care.