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Lymphatic obstruction

Alternative Names: Lymphedema Symptoms: Chronic swelling, usually of the arm or leg, is the clinical hallmark of lymphatic obstruction. Signs and tests: Text Continues Below Physical exam and history are most important for diagnosis. In some cases, lymphangiography may be performed. This involves injection of dye into lymphatic vessels followed by x-rays of the area. Lymphangiography requires surgical isolation of the lymph vessels to be injected and is therefore a difficult procedure. Lymphoscintigraphy is an alternative technique in which a radioactive substance that concentrates in the lymphatic vessels is injected into the affected tissue and mapped using a gamma camera, which images the location of the radioactive tracer. Lymphoscintigraphy is less invasive and more easily performed and is often used as a substitute for lymphangiography. MRI is being explored as a means to image lymphatic vessels.

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