Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Lymphedema.
10.5021/ad.1997.9.2.126
- Author:
Un Cheol YEO
;
Won Serk KIM
;
Ho Soo CHUN
;
Eil Soo LEE
;
Byung Boong LEE
;
Dong Ik KIM
;
Ji Hye HWANG
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Lymphedema;
Ultrasonography
- MeSH:
Capillaries;
Dermis;
Drainage;
Filtration;
Humans;
Lymphedema*;
Skin;
Ultrasonography;
Water
- From:Annals of Dermatology
1997;9(2):126-131
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Lymphedma occurs when tissue swelling develops through a failure of lymph drainage in the face of a normal capillary filtration. Little is known about water behavior in lymphedma. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to investigate, by means of ultrasound, the distribution of intradermal fluid in patients with lymphedema in response to 2 weeks physical therapy. METHODS: Ten patients with lymphedema were treated by 2 weeks' physical therapy. Before and after 2 weeks' treatment, circumference and ultrasonographic evaluation was done. Ultrasound images were obtained with a 20 MHz scanner. The echogenicity of the dermis and the skin thickness were quantified by in-built image analyzer. RESULTS: Low echogenic pixels showed the most noticeable and consistent change after 2 weeks' physical therapy. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographic evaluation could be a useful tool in evaluating lymphedema.
