Efficacy of complex decongestive therapy for lymphedema of the lower limbs: a systematic review.

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that negatively affects function and quality of life. There is currently no definitive treatment. However, some options have been proposed to mitigate its consequences. Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) stands out as one of the main treatment methods of choice. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique for treating lower extremity lymphedema. The results revealed that CDT was effective in reducing the volume of affected limbs. However, some questions have not yet been answered, such as: How long do patients benefit from using CDT? and How to maintain the gains obtained? It was not possible to perform a meta-analysis because of heterogeneity, unsatisfactory methodological quality of the available studies, and the lack of a gold-standard protocol for administration of the technique. Further studies are needed to advance lymphedema research and therapy.

Comparing complex decongestive therapy in patients with lymphedema of different causes by measuring: extremity volume, quality of life, and functionality.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) applied to the lower extremities of patients with lymphedema of different causes on the extremity volume, quality of life (QoL), and functionality. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study included 90 patients, of whom 28 had primary lymphedema, 30 had secondary lymphedema, 18 had phlebolymphedema, and 14 had lipolymphedema. A total of 137 extremities were treated with CDT. The patients who received CDT for 5 days a week for 3 weeks (15 sessions in total) were included in the sample. Extremity volume was measured using a tape measure. The lymphedema QoL-Leg Questionnaire was used to evaluate QoL, and the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) was administered to assess lower extremity functionality. RESULTS: The changes in QoL before and after treatment significantly differed in the primary lymphedema, phlebolymphedema, and lipolymphedema groups (p < 0.05). The post-treatment LEFS scores indicated a significant decrease in the phlebolymphedema and lipolymphedema groups compared to the pre-treatment scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The difference in appearance, which is one of the sub-parameters of QoL, significantly decreased in the comparisons performed between the groups, whereas the changes in the remaining parameters were not significant.

OBJETIVO: Investigar los efectos de la terapia descongestiva compleja (TDC) aplicada a las extremidades inferiores de pacientes con linfedema de diferentes causas sobre el volumen de la extremidad, la calidad de vida y la funcionalidad. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: Se incluyeron en el estudio 90 pacientes, de los cuales 28 tenían linfedema primario, 30 linfedema secundario, 18 flebolinfedema y 14 lipolinfedema. Un total de 137 extremidades fueron tratadas con TDC. Se incluyeron en la muestra pacientes que recibieron TDC durante 5 días a la semana durante 3 semanas (15 sesiones en total). El volumen de las extremidades se midió con una cinta métrica. Se utilizó el Cuestionario de calidad de vida (QoL) de las piernas para el linfedema para evaluar la calidad de vida, y se administró la Escala funcional de las extremidades inferiores (LEFS) para evaluar la funcionalidad de estas. RESULTADOS: Los cambios en la calidad de vida antes y después del tratamiento difirieron significativamente en los grupos de linfedema primario, flebolinfedema y lipolinfedema (p < 0.05). Las puntuaciones LEFS posteriores al tratamiento indicaron una disminución significativa en los grupos de flebolinfedema y lipolinfedema en comparación con las puntuaciones previas al tratamiento (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONES: La diferencia de apariencia, que es uno de los subparámetros de la calidad de vida, disminuyó significativamente en las comparaciones realizadas entre los grupos, mientras que los cambios en los demás parámetros no fueron significativos.

Ophtalmologic diagnosis of lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome through the FOXC2 mutation.

Lymphedema distichiasis syndrome is one of the most frequent phenotypes of primary lymphedema, even so, its prevalence is still low. This syndrome courses with the appearance of abnormal eyelashes and distichiasis during childhood or puberty. This can cause a notable discomfort on our patients, especially at such an early age. The clinic evaluation of this signs must make us have in mind this group of syndromes, because in the case of lymphedema distichiasis syndrome, we can certainly diagnose it with the genetic analysis of the FOXC2 gen on patient's serum. With this we could prevent, diagnose and treat the ophthalmologic syndrome alongside the rest of systemic symptoms of this syndrome in a more effective way, giving our patients a higher quality of life.

[Validity and reliability of DASH questionnaire in women who suffer from lymphedema as a side effect of a breast cancer treatment]. / Validez y fiabilidad del cuestionario DASH en mujeres con linfedema secundario a tratamiento de cáncer de mama.

INTRODUCTION: DASH questionnaire was designed to assess upper limb function in musculoskeletal pathologies. The aim of this manuscript is to study the reliability and validity of this questionnaire, to determine if is adequate to use in women with lymphedema due to breast cancer treatment. METHODS: Prospective study in 65 women with lymphedema due to breast cancer treatment was done, in which the reliability of DASH score with internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest reproducibility 15 days' interval (interclass correlation coefficient) and validity by correlation with SF-36v2 and FACT-B+4 (r or Kendall's τ b) scores was investigated. RESULTS: The internal consistency and the test-retest were Cronbach's alpha 0.969 and interclass correlation coefficient 0.861, respectively. There was correlation between the DASH score with the SF-36v2 score, mainly in the areas of physical function, body pain and physical role (r 0.800, 0.738, and 0.682, respectively; p<0.001), and lowest with the emotional and social wellbeing. The DASH score had correlation with FACT-B+4 (0.836; p<0.001) and the subscales the upper limb score (r=0.816; p<0.001), and there was no correlation with the social/familiar subscale (r=0.193; p=0.216). CONCLUSION: The DASH questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool to assess upper limb functionality in Spanish women with breast cancer related lymphedema.

Role of weight lost in breast cancer-related lymph.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of data collected in routine clinical practice of the combined impact of both physical activity and decrease in body mass index (BMI) on a minor prevalence of lymphedema in post-breast cancer patients. METHODS: Analysis of data obtained by the specialized rehabilitation unit, from 99 female patients for 18 months, after a specific diet, sports program and complete decongestive therapy (CDT) was indicated. Personal data, affected organ volume, weight, physical activity level and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Questionnaire for Breast Cancer (FACT-B+4) were collected in follow-up visits. RESULTS: Although the average of body-mass index showed no change during the assessment period, about 13% of patients in the second follow-up visit and 30% in the third one had lost weight. Women experiencing weight-loss in the third follow-up visit presented a reduced volume of the affected organ [-50 (-248 to 141) ml vs. 130 (-148 to 355) ml, p<0.05] as compared to weight-gaining patients. No relationship was established between physical activity and lymphedema volume changes. CONCLUSIONS: Apart from the conventional treatment with orthotics and manual lymph drainage, BCRL prevention and treatment needs to focus - right from the start - on weight management or weight-loss in obese patients.

Indirect partial volumetry in breast cancer-related lymphoedema: Distribution of oedema and clinical-diagnostic implications.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Currently, the assessment of lymphoedema related to breast cancer (BCRL) is performed through the global perimeter volumetry. We implemented an additional system with partial measures (hand, forearm, and upper arm) that allows us to approximate the segmental distribution of oedema. We used this measurement tool to determine the oedema distribution and its evolution, as well as its possible impact on clinical assessment. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective observational study of the patients referred to our service with suspected BCRL. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Unilateral breast cancer, availability of global and partial digital medical record, and follow-up for a minimum of 24 months. Of the 210 selected patients, 190 were considered affected (≥10% excess volume). We analysed at three time points (initial, final, and peak involvement) the oedema distribution and segmental predominance and its relationship with the evolutionary course and the severity of the process. We subsequently examined, at the initial timepoint, the concordance of the global assessment with the partial assessment for the clinical classification of the 210 patients in the initial sample. RESULTS: The BCRL oedema was characteristically irregular, with the forearm being the most affected segment and the hand the least affected (RM ANOVA: p<0.001). The irregularity was related to its severity (χ2: p<0.001) and the evolutionary course (Student t-test: p<0.005 for the hand). Overall, disagreement of 46.67% was observed between the clinical classification of the global and partial assessment. CONCLUSIONS: This work supports the need to add partial volumetry to the commonly used global assessment.

[Yellow nail syndrome. A case report with postmortem study]. / Síndrome de las uñas amarillas. Presentación de un caso con estudio autópsico.

Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disease of unknown aetiology. Patients with YNS have a characteristic yellowish-coloured nails, pulmonary alterations and primary lymphedema. To the best of our knowledge, only a few reports of autopsy findings in these patients have been published. Its aetiology possibly involves a primary malformation of larger lymph vessels. We describe autopsy findings not previously associated with yellow nail syndrome, such as expansion of mediastinal lymph-nodes and splenic sinusoids. The present autopsy reveals hitherto unreported findings associated with YNS, such as alterations in splenic sinusoids and mediastinal lymph-node sinuses.

[Rehabilitation in lymphedema surgery]. / Tratamiento rehabilitador en la cirugía del linfedema.

Conservative treatment of lymphedema usually includes complex decongestive therapy in order to reduce the volume of the lymphedema, and compression garments in the maintenance phase. Follow-up is carried out in the Rehabilitation Services. Surgical treatment of lymphedema is a therapeutic option, the interest of which has increased in recent years, although there is no current evidence that it can cure lymphedema and it is always accompanied by conservative treatment. Most studies focus on results according to the type of surgery and there is no standardized protocol for conservative treatment before or after surgery. The objective of this work is to prepare a compendium about the most frequent lymphedema surgeries and their indications, focusing on the rehabilitation treatment for each surgery.

[Multidisciplinary approach in the lymphedema patient: From rehabilitation to microsurgery]. / Abordaje multidisciplinar en el paciente con linfedema: de la rehabilitación a la microcirugía.

Lymphedema is a chronic disease with a high incidence in our society. In this paper, we present a review with the latest advances in imaging techniques and surgical reconstructive treatment of lymphedema (lymphovenous anastomosis, vascularized lymph node transfer, and prophylactic lymphedema surgery). In addition, a protocol is established based on a multidisciplinary team (composed of physiatrists, plastic surgeons, radiologists and nuclear medicine radiologists) to optimize the treatment of these patients.

[Facial and labial lymphedema after oncological treatment. A propos of clinical case]. / Linfedema facial y labial secundario a tratamiento oncológico. A propósito de un caso clínico.

Facial lymphedema secondary to treatment by a neoplastic process is a rare and disabling pathology, causing functional and aesthetic alterations. A case report of facial and labial lymphedema describing the functional repercussion and aesthetic defect. We present a 61-years-old female patient suffered a tongue neoplasia and bilateral cervical lymphadenectomy in 2015. After several treatments, including diverse surgical interventions and adjuvant radiotherapy, developed facial and labial lymphedema. The patient was sent to our Rehabilitation Department complaining about swelling of the face and lips, dysphagia, sialorrhea, xerostomia, dysarthria and decubitus in lower lip by labia protusion. Due to the functional repercussion that it caused in the patient, rehabilitating physical treatment was planned with manual lymph drainage, facial silicone orthosis and lymphatic taping. The patient improved both subjectively as well as objectively in terms of hardness, volume and slight improvement of lip lymphedema.

[Management of patients with lymphatic diseases and lipoedema during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations of the Spanish Group of Lymphology]. / La atención al paciente con patología linfática y lipedema en la pandemia COVID-19. Recomendaciones del Grupo Español de Linfología (GEL).

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a challenge to the management of non-COVID pathologies such as lymphatic diseases and lipoedema. The use of telemedicine can prevent the spread of the disease. A system is needed to help determine the clinical priority and selection of face-to-face or telemedicine options for each patient and how to carry them out during the pandemic. The Spanish Lymphology Group has drafted a consensus document with recommendations based on the literature and clinical experience, as clinical practice guidelines for the management of lymphatic abnormalities and lipoedema during the COVID-19 pandemic. These recommendations must be adapted to the characteristics of each patient, the local conditions of the centres, and the decisions of health care professionals. The document contains minimum criteria, subject to modifications according to the evolution of the pandemic, scientific knowledge and instructions from health authorities.

Penile and scrotal lymphedema associated with hidradenitis suppurativa: Case report and review of surgical options.

Lymphedema is the result of an alteration of the lymphatic drainage, and its most common worldwide cause is filariasis. In our practice usually is associated to neoplasic, inflammatory and granulomatous processes, radiotherapy, hydroelectrolytic disbalances, and idiopathic. It can affect any part of the body, including the penis and scrotum. The genital lymphedema is a rare presentation, it corresponds to 0.6% of lymphedema. However, causes serious functional, social and emotional limitations for the patient. Too often have pain, recurrent infections, sexual dysfunction, cosmetic deformity, sometimes it limits mobility and ambulation. Although there are several treatment options, both medical and surgical, it has not been found ideal for this disease. We present a 43 years old patient with penoscrotal lymphedema due to hidradenitis suppurativa, it limits his normal activity. The patient was referred to our center after unsuccessful medical treatment (doxycycline and clindamycin cycles). Surgical treatment consisted of total excision of the skin and subcutaneous tissue to Buck's fascia. Split thickness skin grafts were used to cover the defect. The result was satisfactory both functionally and aesthetically.

El linfedema es producto de una alteración en el drenaje linfático, y su causa más frecuente en todo el mundo es la filariasis. En nuestro medio suele encontrarse asociada a procesos neoplásicos, inflamatorios, granulomatosos, secuelas por radioterapia, desequilibrios hidroelectrolíticos y procesos idiopáticos. Puede afectar a cualquier parte del cuerpo, incluyendo el pene y el escroto. El linfedema genital es una presentación infrecuente, que corresponde al 0.6% de los linfedemas. No obstante, causa graves limitaciones funcionales, sociales y emocionales para el paciente. Con mucha frecuencia se presentan dolor, infecciones recurrentes, disfunción sexual y deformidad estética, llegando incluso a limitar la movilidad y la deambulación. Aunque existen varias opciones de tratamiento, tanto médico como quirúrgico, no se ha encontrado el ideal para esta enfermedad. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 43 años afecto de hidrosadenitis axilar e inguinal que padece linfedema penoescrotal grave que limita seriamente su actividad habitual. El paciente fue remitido a nuestro centro tras el fracaso del tratamiento con antibióticos (ciclos de doxiciclina y clindamicina). El tratamiento quirúrgico consistió en la resección de piel y tejido celular subcutáneo hasta fascia de Buck y cobertura con injertos de piel. El resultado final fue adecuado desde un punto de vista tanto funcional como estético.

Autogestão ineficaz de linfedema em mulheres mastectomizadas: análise de conceito / Autogestión ineficaz de linfedema en mujeres mastectomizadas: análisis de concepto / Ineffective self-management of lymphedema in mastectomized women: concept analysis

Resumo Objetivo Analisar o conceito de "autogestão ineficaz do linfedema" em mulheres mastectomizadas. Métodos Trata-se de uma análise do conceito proposto por Walker e Avant operacionalizada por meio de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, organizada em oito etapas e baseada nas seguintes questões norteadoras: Qual é a definição de autogestão ineficaz em mulheres mastectomizadas? Quais os antecedentes, atributos e consequências da autogestão ineficaz em mulheres mastectomizadas? Como a autogestão ineficaz de linfedema tem sido definida no contexto de mulheres que passaram por mastectomia? A busca de artigos foi realizada em cinco bases de dados eletrônicas, sem limite de data, no período de julho de 2022 a fevereiro de 2023. Resultados Foram identificados 30 antecedentes e 19 consequentes; os mais frequentes entre eles foram respectivamente os seguintes: falta de apoio familiar/social e diminuição da qualidade de vida. Os atributos definidores mais frequentemente identificados foram os seguintes: edema, inchaço no braço, sensação de peso no membro, dor, dormência e diminuição da função do membro. Foram ainda elaborados os casos modelo e contrário para auxiliar na decisão sobre o uso do conceito. Conclusão Os conceitos resultantes da análise contribuem para clarificar os termos e o desenvolvimento da linguagem na enfermagem, devendo ser validados por juízes e prática clínica para melhor aplicação na oncologia clínica.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar el concepto de "autogestión ineficaz de linfedema" en mujeres mastectomizadas. Métodos Se trata de un análisis del concepto propuesto por Walker y Avant, realizado mediante una revisión integradora de la literatura, organizado en ocho etapas y basado en las siguientes preguntas orientadoras: ¿Cuál es la definición de autogestión ineficaz en mujeres mastectomizadas? ¿Cuáles son los antecedentes, atributos y consecuencias de la autogestión ineficaz en mujeres mastectomizadas? ¿Cómo se define la autogestión ineficaz de linfedema en el contexto de mujeres que pasaron por una mastectomía? La búsqueda de artículos fue realizada en cinco bases de datos electrónicas, sin límite de fecha, en el período de julio de 2022 a febrero de 2023. Resultados Se identificaron 30 antecedentes y 19 consecuentes. El antecedente más frecuente fue falta de apoyo familiar/social y el consecuente, reducción de la calidad de vida. Los atributos definidores identificados más frecuentemente fueron los siguientes: edema, hinchazón en el brazo, sensación de peso en el miembro, dolor, adormecimiento y reducción de la función del miembro. Además, se elaboraron los casos modelo y contrarios para ayudar en la decisión sobre el uso del concepto. Conclusión Los conceptos resultantes del análisis contribuyen a clarificar los términos y el desarrollo del lenguaje en enfermería y deben ser validados por jueces y práctica clínica para una mejor aplicación en la oncología clínica.

Abstract Objective To analyze the concept of "ineffective self-management of lymphedema" in mastectomized women. Methods This is an analysis of the concept proposed by Walker and Avant, operationalized through an integrative literature review, organized into eight stages, and based on the following guiding questions: What is the definition of ineffective self-management in mastectomized women? What are the antecedents, attributes, and consequences of ineffective self-management in mastectomized women? How has ineffective self-management of lymphedema been defined in the context of women who have undergone mastectomy? The search for articles was carried out in five electronic databases, with no date limit, from July 2022 to February 2023. Results Antecedents (30) and consequents (19) were identified. Among them, the most frequent were the following, respectively: lack of family and/or social support and decreased quality of life. The most frequently identified defining attributes were the following: edema, swelling in the arm, feeling of heaviness in the limb, pain, numbness, and reduced function of the limb. Model and contrary cases were also designed to help decide on the use of the concept. Conclusion The concepts resulting from the analysis contribute to clarifying the terms and development of language in nursing, and should be validated by judges and clinical practice for better application in clinical oncology.

Lymphoscintigraphy for the evaluation of limb lymphatic flow disorders: Report of technical procedural standards from an Italian Nuclear Medicine expert panel. / Linfogammagrafía para la evaluación de trastornos del flujo linfático de las extremidades: informe de estándares de procedimientos técnicos de un panel de expertos de medicina nuclear italiano.

Lymphoscintigraphy represents the "gold standard" for diagnosis of lymphedema, but an important limitation is the lack of procedural standardization. The aim of this Italian expert panel was to provide a procedural standard for lymphoscintigraphy in the evaluation of lymphatic system disorders. Topic anaesthetic gels containing lidocaine should be avoided. Patients should remove compressive dressings. Total recommended activity for 99mTc-nanocolloid administration in adults is 74MBq, or 37MBq per limb and per investigated compartment, in single or multiple aliquots. 2-3 subcutaneous injections should be performed (II-III±I interdigital space of each hand/foot), avoiding intravascular injection. Deep lymphatic system of lower limbs should be evaluated in presence of dermal back-flow or lymphatic stasis (1-2 subfascial administrations in retro-malleolar or plantar region). Planar images should be acquired from injection site to liver with whole-body or serial static acquisitions 20' and 90' after subcutaneous administration. Additional information on lymphatic pathways is obtained after a quick and/or prolonged exercise protocol. SPECT/CT is recommended to study the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic territories. When required, deep lymphatic system of lower limbs should be evaluated with static acquisition 90' after subfascial administration. The report should describe administration and imaging procedure, exercise protocol, qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis (wash-out rate, transport index), potential sources of error. Due to the essential role fulfilled by lymphoscintigraphy in clinical management of primary and secondary lymphedema, an effort for the standardization of this technique should be made to provide the clinicians with a homogeneous and reliable technical methodology.

Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the LYMPH-ICF Instrument for Lymphedema into Portuguese/Brazil / Traducción y adaptación transcultural al portugués/Brasil del instrumento LYMPH-ICF para linfedema / Tradução e adaptação transcultural para o português/Brasil do instrumento LYMPH-ICF para linfedema

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study is to cross-culturally adapt the Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire Lymphoedema (LYMPH-ICF) instrument into Brazilian Portuguese and conduct a pilot application (n = 10), without psychometric pretensions. Method: Methodological research was conducted, following the steps of translation, synthesis, back-translation, and evaluation by the expert committee. Two translators, two back-translators, and twelve professionals participated in the expert committee. A pretest was carried out with 10 patients with secondary lymphedema due to breast cancer. The degree of agreement was determined by the content validity coefficient. Results: It was necessary to modify 8 out of the 29 questions comprising the questionnaire, which exhibited idiomatic disagreement. However, despite these changes, there were no indications of impairments, as content reliability was achieved through a validity coefficient of 0.90. Final Considerations: The instrument was successfully translated and cross-culturally adapted for Brazil with a high level of agreement.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Realizar la adaptación transcultural del instrumento Cuestionario de Funcionamiento, Discapacidad y Salud del Linfedema (LYMPH-ICF) al portugués de Brasil y una aplicación piloto (n = 10), sin pretensiones psicométricas. Método: Investigación metodológica, siguiendo los pasos de traducción, síntesis, retrotraducción y evaluación por parte del comité de expertos. Participaron dos traductores, dos retrotraductores y doce profesionales para el comité de expertos. Se realizó una prueba piloto con 10 pacientes con linfedema secundario al cáncer de mama. Y el grado de concordancia se obtuvo mediante el coeficiente de validez de contenido. Resultados: Hubo necesidad de modificar 8 de las 29 preguntas que componen el cuestionario, las cuales mostraron discordancia idiomática. Sin embargo, a pesar de que se realizaron dichas modificaciones, no hubo indicación de perjuicios, ya que se alcanzó la confiabilidad del contenido mediante la obtención de 0,90 en el coeficiente de validez. Conclusiones: El instrumento fue traducido y adaptado transculturalmente para Brasil con un alto grado de concordancia.

RESUMO Objetivo: realizar a adaptação transcultural do instrumento Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire Lymphoedema (LYMPH-ICF) para o português do Brasil e uma aplicação piloto (n = 10), sem pretensão psicométrica. Método: pesquisa metodológica, seguindo os passos de tradução, síntese, retrotradução e avaliação pelo comitê de especialistas. Participaram dois tradutores, dois retrotradutores e doze profissionais para o comitê de especialistas. Realizou-se o pré-teste com 10 pacientes com linfedema secundário ao câncer de mama. E o grau de concordância foi obtido pelo coeficiente de validade de conteúdo. Resultados: houve a necessidade de modificar 8 das 29 questões que compõem o questionário, as quais demonstraram discordância idiomática. Contudo, mesmo que tais alterações tenham sido realizadas, não houve indicação de prejuízos, já que foi alcançada a confiabilidade do conteúdo através da obtenção de 0,90 pelo coeficiente de validade. Considerações finais: o instrumento foi traduzido e adaptado transculturalmente para o Brasil com alto grau de concordância.

Lymphoscintigraphic findings in patients with lipedema. / Hallazgos linfogammagráficos en pacientes con lipedema.

INTRODUCTION: Lipedema is a syndrome that is characterised by edema, an accumulation of fat, pain and haematomas in the lower limbs that principally affects women. Diagnosis is currently based on clinical criteria, since there is no accurate diagnostic imaging for the condition. The aim of our study was to describe the lymphoscintigraphic findings in patients with lipedema. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective cohort study of women with clinical criteria of lipedema who underwent lymphoscintigraphy. Two independent nuclear physicians described and classified the lymphoscintigraphy findings in different grades of severity, according to the migration and distribution of the radiopharmaceutical. Eighty three patients were included with a median age of 49.7years (range: 18-80) and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 29.9kg/m2 (95%CI: 28.4-31.3) RESULTS: Lymphoscintigraphy showed alterations in 47% of the patients, most were low (35.9%) or low-moderate grade (48.7%). None of the patients were severely affected (no migration of the radiopharmaceutical). The degree of lymphoscintigraphic involvement bore no relation to age (P=.674), Stemmer's sign (P=.506), or BMI (P=.832). We found lymphoscintigraphy findings in all the clinical stages of lipedema, with no significant differences between the grade of lymphoscintigraphic involvement and the clinical stage of lipedema (P=.142). CONCLUSION: Although lymphoscintigraphy has been used to differentiate lipedema from lymphedema, we found frequent alterations in the patients with lipedema, therefore the presence of findings dues not discount a diagnosis of lip1aedema.

Linfedema escrotal gigante / Giant scrotal lymphedema

RESUMEN La elefantiasis escrotal es una condición que ha sido históricamente descripta en áreas endémicas de filariasis, pero es menos frecuente su presentación idiopática o asociada a otras entidades. Presentamos un caso de elefantiasis escrotal gigante de causa adquirida idiopática, al que se le practicó la exéresis de la estructura linfedematosa y la reconstrucción del defecto con colgajos locales y autoinjerto cutáneo. El motivo de su divulgación radica en que se trata de un caso muy poco frecuente, ya sea por la baja incidencia y etiología, así como por la importante magnitud del problema para el individuo. El objetivo principal en el tratamiento del linfedema, en el caso presentado, fue devolverle al paciente funciones primarias y elementales de vida, además de disminuir la morbilidad y otorgarle una mejor calidad de vida.

ABSTRACT Scrotal elephantiasis is a condition that has been historically described in areas where filariasis is endemic, but idiopathic cases or those associated with other entities are rare. We report a case of a patient with idiopathic acquired giant scrotal elephantiasis who underwent excision of the lymphedematous structure and reconstruction of the defect with local flaps and skin autograft. The reason for this presentation is the uncommon nature of the case due to its low incidence, rare etiology and the magnitude of the problem experienced by the patient. The main goal in the treatment of lymphedema in this case was to restore primary and elementary functions of life to the patient, reduce morbidity and provide him with a better quality of life.

Penile and scrotal lymphedema associated with hidradenitis suppurativa: Case report and review of surgical options. / Linfedema penoescrotal secundario a hidrosadenitis supurativa: a propósito de un caso, revisión de las opciones quirúrgicas

Lymphedema is the result of an alteration of the lymphatic drainage, and its most common worldwide cause is filariasis. In our practice usually is associated to neoplasic, inflammatory and granulomatous processes, radiotherapy, hydroelectrolytic disbalances, and idiopathic. It can affect any part of the body, including the penis and scrotum. The genital lymphedema is a rare presentation, it corresponds to 0.6% of lymphedema. However, causes serious functional, social and emotional limitations for the patient. Too often have pain, recurrent infections, sexual dysfunction, cosmetic deformity, sometimes it limits mobility and ambulation. Although there are several treatment options, both medical and surgical, it has not been found ideal for this disease. We present a 43 years old patient with penoscrotal lymphedema due to hidradenitis suppurativa, it limits his normal activity. The patient was referred to our center after unsuccessful medical treatment (doxycycline and clindamycin cycles). Surgical treatment consisted of total excision of the skin and subcutaneous tissue to Buck's fascia. Split thickness skin grafts were used to cover the defect. The result was satisfactory both functionally and aesthetically.

El linfedema es producto de una alteración en el drenaje linfático, y su causa más frecuente en todo el mundo es la filariasis. En nuestro medio suele encontrarse asociada a procesos neoplásicos, inflamatorios, granulomatosos, secuelas por radioterapia, desequilibrios hidroelectrolíticos y procesos idiopáticos. Puede afectar a cualquier parte del cuerpo, incluyendo el pene y el escroto. El linfedema genital es una presentación infrecuente, que corresponde al 0.6% de los linfedemas. No obstante, causa graves limitaciones funcionales, sociales y emocionales para el paciente. Con mucha frecuencia se presentan dolor, infecciones recurrentes, disfunción sexual y deformidad estética, llegando incluso a limitar la movilidad y la deambulación. Aunque existen varias opciones de tratamiento, tanto médico como quirúrgico, no se ha encontrado el ideal para esta enfermedad. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 43 años afecto de hidrosadenitis axilar e inguinal que padece linfedema penoescrotal grave que limita seriamente su actividad habitual. El paciente fue remitido a nuestro centro tras el fracaso del tratamiento con antibióticos (ciclos de doxiciclina y clindamicina). El tratamiento quirúrgico consistió en la resección de piel y tejido celular subcutáneo hasta fascia de Buck y cobertura con injertos de piel. El resultado final fue adecuado desde un punto de vista tanto funcional como estético.

Tratamiento quirúrgico para reducción de volumen de linfedema de miembro inferior / Surgical Treatment for Volume Reduction of Lower Limb Lymphedema

Introducción: El linfedema de extremidades inferiores es la acumulación de fluido rico en proteínas en el intersticio como consecuencia del daño de vasos linfáticos. En el ámbito de la angiología se relaciona más frecuentemente con el tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer. Los objetivos principales en el manejo del linfedema son limitar la morbilidad del paciente y mejorar la funcionalidad y la calidad de vida. Existen procedimientos que buscan prevenir el desarrollo del linfedema de extremidades inferiores. Una vez establecido, el tratamiento puede ser conservador y quirúrgico. El tratamiento quirúrgico incluye procedimientos fisiológicos (reconstructivos) y resectivos. El éxito depende de una buena selección de los pacientes y la realización de un tratamiento individualizado. Objetivo: Presentar el tratamiento quirúrgico utilizado para reducción de volumen de linfedema de miembro inferior izquierdo. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino de 38 años, blanco, con antecedentes de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 de tres años de evolución, hipertensión arterial de 10 años de evolución y linfedema primario precoz desde hace 10 años en región del muslo del miembro inferior izquierdo. El paciente se ingresó días previos a la cirugía para realizar reposo venoso y fisioterapia (terapia física compleja). Se realizó, desde el punto de vista quirúrgico, una linfangiectomía atípica en la zona afectada. Conclusiones: Se logró la disminución del volumen de la extremidad y se mejoró su funcionabilidad(AU)

Introduction: Lymphedema of the lower limbs is the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitium as a result of lymphatic vessel damage. In the field of angiology, it is most frequently related to the surgical treatment of cancer. The main goals in the management of lymphedema are to limit the patient's morbidity, and to improve functionality and quality of life. There are procedures that seek to prevent the development of lymphedema of the lower limbs. Once established, treatment can be conservative and surgical. Surgical treatment includes physiological (reconstructive) and resective procedures. Success depends on good patient´s selection and individualized treatment. Objective: To present the surgical treatment used for volume reduction of lymphedema of the left lower limb. Case presentation: A 38-year-old white male patient with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus for three years, hypertension for 10 years, and early primary lymphedema for 10 years in the thigh region of the left lower limb. The patient was admitted days prior to surgery due to venous rest and physiotherapy (complex physical therapy). From a surgical point of view, an atypical lymphangiectomy was performed in the affected area. Conclusions: A decrease in the volume of the limb was achieved and its functionality was improved(AU)