Lymphoedema Flashcards
What are the causes of lymphoedema?
Primary: No defined cause.
Congenital: Milroy’s disease
Post-pregnancy
Elderly patients
Secondary: Less common
Filiariasis: Most common cause worldwide
Iatrogenic: Commonest UK. Surgical e.g. common femoral artery operations, LN resection, radiotherapy to groin nodes,
Cancer: Gynae or pelvic tumour (do not miss!)
Infectious: TB
What is the differential for bilateral limb swelling?
Raised venous pressure: E.g. RHF, venous insufficiency, drugs e.g. nifedipine
Reduced oncotic pressure: e.g. Nephrotic syndrome, hepatic failure, protein losing enteropathy
Lymphedema
Myxoedema: I.e. hypo/hyperthyroid
What is the differential for unilateral limb swelling?
Venous insufficiency
DVT
Infection, inflammation
Lymphedema
What is the definition of lymphedema?
Collection of interstitial fluid due to blockage or absence of lymphatics
How would you manage lymphedema?
Non-surgical: Skin care Grade 3 compression stockings Treat or prevent cellulitis Physiotherapy- raise leg as much as possible
Surgical:
Debunking operation
Bypass procedures