VENOUS DYNAMICS IN LEG LYMPHEDEMA
- DI Kim
- S Huh
- JH Hwang
- YI Kim
- BB Lee
Abstract
To determine whether there is anatomical and/or functional impairment to venous return inpatients with lymphedema, we examined venous dynamics in 41 patients with unilateral leg lymphedema. A Volometer® was used for computer analysis of leg volume, a color Duplex Doppler scanner was used to determine deep vein patency and skin thickness, and Air-plethysmography was used to assess ambulatory venous pressure, venous volume, venous filling index and the ejection fraction.
In the lymphedematous leg, volume and skin thickness were uniformly increased (126.4 ±21.3% and 156.9 ± 44.5%) (mean ± S.D.), respectively. The ambulatory venous pressure was also increased (134 ± 60.7%) as was the venous volume (124.5 ± 37.5%), and the venous filling index (134.5 ± 50.5%). The ejection fraction was decreased (94.9 ± 26.1%). Greater leg volume correlated with increased venous volume and venous filling index (values = 0.327, 0.241,respectively) and decreased ejection fraction (r = -0.133). Increased subcutaneous thickness correlated with increased venous filling index and venous volume (r = 0.307, 0.126, respectively) and decreased ejection fraction (r = -0.202).
These findings suggest that soft tissue edema from lymphatic stasis gradually impedes venous return which in turn aggravates the underlying lymphedema.
How to Cite:
Kim, D., Huh, S., Hwang, J., Kim, Y. & Lee, B., (1999) “VENOUS DYNAMICS IN LEG LYMPHEDEMA”, Lymphology 32(1), 11-14.
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