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290 Section 13: Venous Disease
operation should be repaired by lateral venorrhaphy and interposition graft if there is more than 30%–40% loss of circumference of the iliac vein. Patients should be monitored for deep venous thrombosis in the perioperative period. Major venous injury may occur during aortoiliac recon­struction, oncologic pelvic operations, and anterior lumbar spine surgery. Emergent vascular consultation is recommended for management of such serious injuries.
Correct Answer B Left iliac vein occlusion
Reference
Hans, S. S., Vang, S., & Sachwani-Daswani, G. (2018). Iatrogenic major venous injur y is associated with
increased morbidity of aortic reconstruction. Ann Vasc Surg, 47, 200–204. PMID: 28887236.
50. RATIONALE
Portal vein thrombosis is a known complication of cirrhosis of the liver with portal hyperten­sion and hypersplenism. Acute portal/superior mesenteric vein thrombosis will result in intes­tinal venous congestion, resulting in intermittent or continuous abdominal pain and diarrhea. Chronic portal vein thrombosis most often is asymptomatic. Portal vein thrombus is not an indication for splenectomy, liver transplant, or distal splenorenal shunt. Anticoagulation helps in recanalization of the portal vein with improved survival.
Correct Answer C Anticoagulation
Reference
Kinjo, N., Kawanaka, H., Akahoshi, T., et al. (2014). Portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis. World J
Hepatol, 6(2), 64–71. PMID: 24575165
51. RATIONALE
The Caprini model of risk stratification for venous thromboembolism has been validated in a NSQIP study involving more than 8000 elective surgical procedures. Risk factors are scored from 1 to 5 points with stroke (less than 1 month), knee or hip arthroplasty, hip, pelvis, leg fracture, and spinal cord injury (less than 1 month) representing 5 points. A total risk score of 1 or less (low risk) means the incidence of deep venous thrombosis is 2%; a total risk score of 5 or more is the highest risk, with incidence of deep venous thrombosis as high as 40%–80% with up to 5% mortality. The use of this model to identify and grade the risk of venous thromboembo­lism aids in selecting suitable prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism.
Correct Answer D Acute spinal cord injury
Reference
Caprini, J. A. (2010). Risk assessment as a guide for the prevention of the many faces of venous throm-
boembolism. Am J Surg, 199(1 Suppl), S3–10. PMID: 20103082
52. RATIONALE
Venous ulcer is a common condition, and its incidence increases with advanced age and in women. The ulcers are typically located just above the ankle on the medial side (occasionally on the lateral side) and are usually superficial. In a systemic review of 48 randomized controlled trials comparing compression dressings with no compression, compression dressings with
Section 13: Venous Disease 291
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multiple layers of elastic components were the most effective treatment method of increasing healing of the venous ulcers, unless the ulcer is infected with associated cellulitis and drainage causing significant discomfort. When the associated cellulitis is present, cultures and appro­priate antibiotics should be administered depending on the sensitivity results. Routine use of antibiotics without any clinical evidence of infection in the ulcers is not indicated. If the venous ulcer does not respond to conservative treatment, venous reflux study should be performed to detect any perforator or greater saphenous vein incompetence, which may be amenable to endovenous ablation or sclerotherapy. Though uncommon, iliocaval venous obstruction should be ruled out in patients who do not have a superficial or deep venous ref lux in the femoral, pop­liteal, and tibial veins or perforator veins. The mere existence of either reflux or obstruction does not appear to be the complete pathology for venous ulcers, as activation of the inflammatory cascade may act as an inciting factor for the appearance of ulceration. In some cases, healing is impaired due to concomitant arterial obstruction, local trauma, lymphedema, autoimmune disease, and superimposed infection.
Correct Answer C Graduated compression stockings with local wound care and manage­ment of dermatitis
Reference
O’Donnel l, T. F., Jr, Passman, M. A., Marston, W. A., et al. (2014). Management of venous leg ulcers: clin-
ical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery ® and the American Venous Forum. J Vasc Surg, 60(2 Suppl), 3S–59S. PMID: 24974070.
MCQs 1–19
SECTION 14: LYMPHOLOGY
Q1. Female-to-male ratio in primary lymph-
edema is:
A. 2.5 to 1 B. 3.5 to 1 C. 4.5 to 1 D. 5.5 to 1
Q2. The most common form of lymphedema
in developed countries is:
A. Congenital (Milroy disease) B. Lymphedema praecox (Meigs disease) C. Lymphedema tarda D. Acquired lymphedema
Q3. Clinically significant edema of the upper
extremity after axillary intervention in breast cancer survivors occurs in:
A. <6% of patients B. 6%–30% of patients C. 31%–35% of patients D. 36%–40% of patients
Q4. In primary lymphedema, obstruction of
proximal lymphatics or nodes with an absence of distal lymphatic involvement occurs in:
A. 20% of cases B. 30% of cases C. 40% of cases D. 50% or more of cases
Q5. Staging of chronic lymphedema is based
on:
A. Biopsy of subcutaneous tissue B. Clinical exam C. Lymphoscintigraphy D. MRI
Q6. The following signs are associated
with the diagnosis of lymphedema except:
A. Peau d’orange B. Kaposi–Stemmer sign C. Buffalo hump D. Homans sign
Q7. The most common complication of
lymphedema is:
A. Elephantiasis nostras verrucosa B. Immunodeficiency and malnutrition C. Infection D. Malignant tumors
Q8. The incidence of post-mastectomy angio-
sarcoma (Stewart–Treves syndrome) var­ies from:
A. Less than 0.07% B. 0.07%–0.45% C. 0.46%–1% D. 1.1%–1.5%
Q9. The 5-year survival of Stewart–Treves
syndrome is:
A. 3%–8.4% B. 8.5%–13.6% C. 13.7%–15% D. 15.1%–18%
Q10. Tropical lymphedema is most often
caused by:
A. Podoconiosis B. Lymphatic filariasis C. Filamentous bacteria or true fungus
causing mycetoma
D. Extensive burns of the extremity
DOI: 10.1201/9781003389897-14
Section 14: Lymphology 293
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Q11. Podoconiosis (mossy foot) is caused by:
A. True fungi (eumycetoma) B. Filamentous bacteria (actinomycetoma) C. Absorption of mineral microparticles into
the soles of the bare foot exposed to red clay soil derived from alkalinic volcanic rock
D. CLOVES syndrome
Q12. For objective documentation of lymphatic
dysfunction, the best study is:
A. Direct lymphography B. Near-infrared fluorescent imaging C. Magnetic resonance imaging D. Isotopic lymphoscintigraphy
Q13. Typical abnormalities observed in lymph-
edema using isotopic lymphoscintigraphy include:
A. Dermal backflow and crossover filling
with retrograde backflow
B. Absent or delayed transport of tracer C. Delayed or absent visualization of lymph
nodes
D. Dermal backflow, crossover filling and
retrograde backflow, delayed or absent transport of tracer, delayed or absent visualization of lymph nodes
Q14. The advanced imaging modality of choice
for diagnosis and management of lymph­edema is:
A. CT B. MRI C. PET/MR lymphography D. Ultrasound
Q15. Lifestyle changes for the management of
early stage of lymphedema include:
A. Daily hygiene and skin care B. Weight loss C. Aerobic exercises D. Daily hygiene and skin care, weight loss,
and aerobic exercises
Q17. The goals of compression therapy for
management of lymphedema include:
A. Improvement of the lymphatic flow and
venous return
B. Reduction of the accumulated protein
debris and sustained volume control
C. Maintenance of skin integrity and protec-
tion of the limb from potential trauma
D. Improvement of the lymphatic flow
and venous return, reduction of accu­mulated protein debris and decreased volume, and maintenance of skin integrity
Q18. Surgical approaches for lymphedema are
best reflected by which statement:
A. Physiologic procedures such as micro-
scopic lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) are effective only in later stages of lymphedema
B. Debulking procedures or reductive pro-
cedures are useful in the early stages of lymphedema
C. Conservative therapy can be
stopped after surgical approaches to lymphedema
D. LVA and VLNT are effective in early
stages of lymphedema and debulk­ing procedures in the later stages, with a combination of conservative therapy immediately after any surgical procedure
Q19. Debulking procedures for more advanced
stages of lymphedema include all of the following except:
A. Liposuction B. Charles procedure C. Sistrunk procedure D. Groin lymph node dissection
Q16. Complex decongestive therapy should be
the first line of treatment for which stage of lymphedema:
A. Stage II lymphedema B. Stage III lymphedema C. Stage I lymphedema D. Stage II and III lymphedema
294 Section 14: Lymphology
RATIONALE 1–19
1. RATIONALE
Of 125 patients treated at the Mayo Clinic, 97 (78%) were women and 28 (22%) were men, with a higher ratio in women of 3.5 to 1. The ratio of unilateral to bilateral lymphedema was 3 to 1. Lymphedema primarily affects girls near menarche. Primary lymphedema affects 1 of every 6000–10,000 live births and is present in 1.15 per 100,000 people under 20 years of age. The inf luence of estrogen and inflammation are thought to be important etiological factors in primary lymphedema. In congenital lymphedema, skin is roughened; becomes hyperkeratotic; and develops verrucous cobblestone-like papules, plaques, and nodules with woody fibrosis. Subcutaneous tissue is filled with watery fluid and abundant fat lobules. The deep tissues and muscles are never affected by primary lymphedema.
Correct Answer B 3.5 to 1
Reference
Smeltzer, D. M., Stickler, G. B., & Schirger, A. (1985). Primary lymphedema in children and adoles-
cents: a follow-up study and review. Pediatrics, 76(2), 206–218. PMID: 4022694
2. RATIONALE
Lymphedema can be primary or secondary. Primary lymphedema results from a developmental abnormality, lack of an offending injury, and often with a positive family history. This form of lymphedema may present at birth, during adolescence, or later in life. Primary lymphedema can be further subdivided into congenital lymphedema, lymphedema praecox, and lymph­edema tarda. Congenital lymphedema or Milroy disease (10%–25% of primary lymphedema) manifests within the first 2 years of life. It usually affects women (2 to 1 female-to-male ratio), is bilateral, and involves a lower extremity. It is usually not progressive and may improve sponta­neously over time. It is associated with the FLT4 gene and is autosomal dominant. Lymphedema praecox (Meigs disease) constitutes 65%–85% of primary lymphedema and most commonly manifests at puberty but may appear any time before the age of 35. It predominately affects women (4 to 1 female-to-male ratio), is unilateral, and involves the lower extremities. The associated gene is FOXC02, and inheritance is autosomal dominant. Lymphedema tarda (10% of primary lymphedema) appears after the age of 35 years. Secondary lymphedema is the most common form of lymphedema encountered in the United States.
Correct Answer D Acquired lymphedema
Reference
Smeltzer, D. M., Stickler, G. B., & Schirger, A. (1985). Primary lymphedema in children and adoles-
cents: a follow-up study and review. Pediatrics, 76(2), 206–218. PMID: 4022694
3. RATIONALE
The secondary (acquired) form of lymphedema is the most common form of lymphatic obstruc­tion. In the United States, iatrogenic causes are predominant among the acquired form of lymph­edema. Lymphatic trauma following surgery or radiation therapy for cancer is the next leading cause of acquired lymphedema. According to recent estimates 6%–30% of breast cancer survivors who have undergone axillary node dissection experience clinically significant lymphedema. The advent of sentinel lymph node biopsy has decreased the incidence to 5%–7%. Adjuvant radiation
Section 14: Lymphology 295
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therapy for local treatment of nodal disease can lead to upper or lower extremity lymphedema. Other factors such as trauma, infection, and obesity contribute to secondary lymphedema. Worldwide the most common cause of secondary lymphedema is infection by the microfilaria Wuchereria bancrofti, which is transmitted by various mosquito vectors. Adult filarial worms reside in and obstruct lymphatic channels causing irreversible scarring and fibrosis and result­ing in massive edema. Eosinophilia is present in peripheral blood smear and microfilaria can be demonstrated in peripheral nocturnal blood, centrifuged urine sediment, or lymphatic fluid. Other types of lymphatic vascular trauma include burns and larger circumferential wounds to the extremity. Other causes of acquired lymphedema include bacterial or fungal infection, infection after snake or insect bites, pregnancy, contact dermatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Correct Answer
B 6%–30% of patients
Reference
Brayton, K. M., Hirsch, A. T., O’Brien, PJ. (2014). Lymphedema prevalence and treatment benefits in
cancer: impact of a therapeutic intervention on health outcomes and costs. PLoS ONE, 9(12), e114597. PMID: 25470383
4. RATIONALE
It has been suggested that a morphological classification of primary lymphedema provides more useful information in regard to prognosis than classification by age at onset. This classifi­cation relies on an anatomical description of the lymphatic vasculature.
Aplasia – no lymphatic vessels can be identified
A. B. Hypoplasia – a diminished number of lymphatic vessels C. Numerical hyperplasia – an increased number of lymphatic vessels D. Hyperplasia – in addition to an increase in number, the vessels have valvular incompetence
and display tortuosity and dilatation (mega lymphatics, lymphangiectasia)
Mega lymphatics and lymphatic hyperplasia are less common than hypoplasia or aplasia. These patients often have unilateral edema involving the entire lower extremity. Mega lymphatics are associated with a greater extent of involvement and a worse prognosis. Aplasia and hypoplasia have a different natural history depending on whether they involve the distal or proximal por­tion of the leg. Distal obstruction – approximately one-third of all cases – results from agenesis, hypoplasia, or obstruction of the distal lymphatic vessels with relatively normal proximal ves­sels. In these cases, the swelling is usually bilateral and mild, and women are affected much more frequently than men. The prognosis is good. Familial occurrence, female preponderance, and indolent progression characterize this pattern of lymphatic disturbance. Proximal obstruc­tion occurs in more than half of the cases and involves obstruction of the proximal lymphatics or nodes with an absence of distal lymphatic involvement. Pathologic findings reveal intranodal fibrosis. The finding is unilateral and severe with a slight female preponderance. Because of progression with associated severe abnormality, patients may require surgical intervention if there is isolated obstructive hypoplasia with worsening of the edema of the entire limb.
Correct Answer D 50% or more of cases
Reference
Rockson, S. G. (2003). Syndromic lymphedema: keys to the kingdom of lymphatic structure and func-
tion? Lymphat Res Biol, 1(3), 181–183. PMID:19642940
296 Section 14: Lymphology
5. RATIONALE
The 10th International Society of Lymphology suggests staging of chronic lymphedema regard­less of cause into four stages (grades) and subclassified as mild, moderate, or severe based on clinical examination.
Stage 0 – Latent phase: Excessive fluid accumulates and fibrosis develops around the lym­phatics, but no edema is apparent clinically with only mild discomfort
Stage 1 – Swelling relieved by elevation, including pitting edema, with no clinical evidence of fibrosis
Stage 2 – Swelling not relieved by limb elevation, moderate to severe fibrosis
Stage 3 – Irreversible edema caused by repeated bouts of inflammation, fibrosis, and sclerosis of skin and subcutaneous tissue, also called lymphostatic elephantiasis
This classification allows for the evaluation of treatment effectiveness and the comparison of different treatment modalities. The drawback is that in some cases staging based on clinical examination may be difficult without a biopsy of the subcutaneous tissue.
Correct Answer B Clinical exam
Reference
Greene, A. K., & Goss, J. A. (2018). Diagnosis a nd staging of lymphedema. Semin Plast Surg, 32(1), 12–16.
PMID: 29636648
6. RATIONALE
Lower extremity lymphedema occurs as the interstitial space is expanded by an excess accumulation of protein-rich fluid and usually manifests as swelling in the dorsal surface of the foot with a characteristic blunt “squared-off” appearance of digits of the lower extrem­ity. Initially there is preferential swelling of the distal extremity and there is progression proximally. Pitted or dimpled texture of the skin (peau d’orange) and the Kaposi–Stemmer sign (an inability to pinch the fold of the skin on the dorsal aspect of the base of the second toe) are characteristics of lymphedema. The dorsum of the forefoot is often involved, giving a typical appearance of a “buffalo hump.” In advanced stages the skin over the affected area becomes hyperkeratotic and develops verrucous cobblestone-like papules, plaques, and nodules with underlying woody fibrosis. Primary lymphedema may be associated with yel­low discoloration of the nails. Intense pain is rare, although heaviness or aching of a limb is a frequent complaint. If a patient with lymphedema complains of marked pain, infection, or neurotic pain in the area, scar tissue should be suspected. Unlike the skin changes in venostasis, lymphedema patients maintain a high degree of hydration and elasticity, and ischemic changes due to high skin tension and disruption of the circulation to the skin and subcutaneous tissue are rare. Homans sign is associated with deep venous thrombosis in the calf.
Correct Answer D Homans sign
Reference
Grada, A. A., & Phillips, T. J. (2017). Lymphedema: diagnostic workup and management. J Am Acad
Dermatol, 77(6), 995–1006. PMID: 29132859
Section 14: Lymphology 297
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7. RATIONALE
Recurrent soft tissue infection is one of the most common and difficult aspects of long-standing lymphedema. Accumulated f luid and proteins provide a good substrate for bacterial growth. Lymphatic dysfunction impairs local immune responses, which plays a permissive role in the propagation of bacterial and fungal invasion. With recurrent infection, there is progressive damage of lymphatic capillaries, and a reported infection rate of up to 31% has been reported. Recurrent episodes of cellulitis can damage the existing percutaneous lymphatics, exacerbate the skin disease, and worsen the edema. Lymphangiectasia with protein-losing enteropathy may result in loss of proteins, long-chain triglycerides, cholesterol, and calcium. Loss of cyto­kines and lymphocytes may result in immunodeficiency. In rare cases, chronic lymphedema may be complicated by development of lymphangiosarcoma, which manifests as multicen­tric lesions with bluish nodules and sclerotic plaques. The other malignant tumors, including Kaposi sarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant lymphoma and melanoma, may occur.
Correct Answer
C Infection
Reference
Burian, E. A., Karlsmark, T., Franks, P. J., et al. (2021). Cellulitis in chronic oedema of the lower leg: an
international cross-sectional study. Br J Dermatol, 185(1), 110–118. PMID: 33405247
8. RATIONALE
Long-standing chronic lymphedema may result in deadly cutaneous angiosarcoma, also known as Stewart–Treves syndrome (STS), which is classically associated with radical mastectomy. However, STS can be associated with any long-standing primary or secondary lymphedema. The incidence of post-mastectomy STS of the arm varies from 0.07% to 0.45%. It manifests as painless, reddish-purple skin nodules that gradually increase in size and number. The primary lesion tends to form satellite lesions and telangiectasia. The tumor cells have a predilection for local ulceration and pulmonary metastasis via the hematogenous route. The diagnosis is often delayed.
Correct Answer B 0.07%–0.45%
Reference
Sharma, A., & Schwartz, R. A. (2012). Stewart–Treves syndrome: pathogenesis and management. J Am
Acad Dermatol, 67(6), 1342–1348. PMID: 22682884
9. RATIONALE
An extensive investigation in the form of CT scan of the chest and abdomen and PET scan should be performed to determine the extent of metastatic disease and whether an aggres­sive treatment program is justified for the management of Stewart–Treves syndrome. The most common treatment is a limb disarticulation or forequarter amputation. When discovered early, however, a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy can help, resulting in tempo­rary remission. The 5-year survival rate ranges from 8.5% to 13.6%. The median survival of STS patients is approximately 19 months after diagnosis. Prognosis is poor; therefore, multiple deep biopsy specimens of suspicious lesions in the affected extremity should be obtained and exam­ined at the earliest.
298 Section 14: Lymphology
Correct Answer B 8.5%–13.6%
Reference
Schiffman, S., & Berger, A. (2007). Stewart–Treves syndrome. J Am Coll Surg, 204(2), 328. PMID:
172 54938
10. RATIONALE
There are two main causes of tropical lymphedema. The most common cause is lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, which is caused by infestation with the parasitic nematode Wuchereria bancrofti (and in Asia by Brugia malayi and B. timori) transmitted by mosquitoes as vectors. The second main cause is podoconiosis. Manifestations of acute filaria­sis include lymphangitis and orchitis. Chronic filariasis causes lymphedema with associated skin changes. If filariasis is suspected, a blood smear should be collected at night (between 11 PM and 3 AM stained with Giemsa or hematoxylin-eosin stain to look for microfilaria under the microscope). In the United States, filariasis has been reported in Hawaii. For active filaria­sis, diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is the treatment of choice.
Correct Answer B Lymphatic filariasis
Reference
Molyneux, D. H. (2012). Tropical lymphedemas – control and prevention. N Engl J Med, 366(13),
1169–1171. PMID: 22455411
11. RATIONALE
Podoconiosis, also known as “mossy foot,” is the second main cause of tropical lymphedema. It is an endemic non-filarial elephantiasis caused by the absorption of mineral microparticles in the soles of bare feet exposed to red clay soil derived from alkalinic volcanic rock. It has a genetic predisposition in the HLA class 11 region. This condition causes chronic lymphedema and usually manifests as bilateral swelling and disfigurement of the feet and legs. Treatment consists of avoidance of prolonged contact between the skin and the irritant soils by wearing robust footwear, avoiding exposure to the irritant soil, or by change in occupation. Maintaining foot hygiene through daily washing with soap and water or antiseptics is recommended. Using compression bandages and limb elevation above the level of the hip can both help promote venous and lymphatic return and reduce swelling.
Mycetoma is an uncommon chronic infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the foot usually seen in tropical countries and is caused by true fungi (eumycetoma) or filamentous bacteria (actinomycetoma). The disease is characterized by the triad of tumefaction, draining sinuses, and presence of colonial grains in the exudates. CLOVES syndrome is characterized by congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal nevi, and skeletal anomalies. Skeletal abnormalities such as enlarged bony structure of the legs with superficial phlebectasia and capillary malformations are also present.
Correct Answer C Absorption of mineral microparticles into the soles of the bare foot exposed to red clay soil derived from alkalinic volcanic rock
Reference
Davey, G., Tekola, F., & Newport, M. J. (2007). Podoconiosis: non-infect ious geochemical elephantiasis.
Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 101(12), 1175–1180. PMID: 17976670
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12. RATIONALE
Isotopic lymphoscintigraphy is an accurate and reproduceable method for confirming the diag­nosis of lymphedema. It involves the injection of a filtered colloid, technetium 99, subdermally within one of the interdigital spaces of the affected limb. The lymphatic transport of the radio­labeled macromolecule is tracked with a gamma camera, thus providing a semi-quantifiable assessment of major lymphatic trunks and lymph nodes. The normal study shows several lymph vessels as the tracer is visualized along the anteromedial aspect of the leg. Many lymph chan­nels in the calf may be identifiable. But lymph channels run close to each other, and separate activity in each larger channel is usually not visualized. Tracer activity clears in the groin lymph nodes in the range of 15–60 minutes. The qualitative interpretation of images shows moderate sensitivity and excellent specificity of the diagnosis of lymphedema. Quantitative lymphoscin­tigraphy may improve detection of early disease but cannot reliably distinguish primary from secondary lymphedema.
Correct Answer D Isotopic lymphoscintigraphy
Reference
Szuba, A., Shin, W. S., Strauss, H. W., & Rockson, S. (2003). The third circulation: radionuclide lympho-
scintigraphy in the evaluation of lymphedema. J Nucl Med, 44(1), 43–57. PMID: 12515876
13. RATIONALE
Typical abnormalities using isotopic lymphoscintigraphy include delayed or absent dermal backflow, absent or delayed transport of tracer, crossover filling with retrograde backf low, and either absent or delayed visualization of lymph nodes. Dermal backflow suggests the presence of lymphatic hypertension and valvular incompetence. In most patients with primary lymph­edema, lymph channels are either absent or obliterated, and occasionally they may be incompe­tent and ectatic. The delayed appearance or asymmetrical appearance of radiocontrast material in the proximal nodal tissue can be useful to semi-quantitatively measure the severity of lymphatic insufficiency. The density of subcutaneous accumulation of radiotracer as a marker of dermal backflow can also be quantified. The ratio of radioactivity in ipsilateral versus contra­lateral nodal tissue can also be quantified in a patient with unilateral limb edema. Quantitation is of great value in predicating successful response to therapeutic intervention. The findings in lymphangiectasia consist of dilated lymph channels with virtually no delay in lymph transport.
Correct Answer D Dermal backflow, crossover filling and retrograde backflow, delayed or absent transport of tracer, and delayed or absent visualization of lymph nodes
Reference
Cambria, R. A., Gloviczki, P., Naessens, J. M., & Wahner, H. W. (1993). Noninvasive evaluation of the
lymphatic system with lymphoscintigraphy: a prospective, semiquantitative analysis in 386 extremities. J Vasc Surg, 18(5), 773–782. PMID: 8230563
14. RATIONALE
Lymphedema is typically confined to the epifascial space of the skin and subcutaneous tis­sue, sparing muscle. With CT or MRI imaging, a characteristic honeycomb distribution of edema within the epifascial structures, with thickening of the skin is seen. In edema due to other causes, both epifascial and subfascial compartments are affected. In lipedema there is fat accumulation without fluid. MRI also helps in identification of lymph nodes and enlarged