Risk Assessment of Dermatolymphangioadenitis by Lymphoscintigraphy in Patients with Lower Extremity Lymphedema

Choi, Joon Young; Hwang, Ji Hye; Park, Jung Mi; Lee, Kyung Han; Kim, Sang Eun; Kim, Dong Ik; Lee, Byung Boong; Kim, Byung Tae

Abstract

PURPOSE: Dermatolymphangioadenitis (DLA) is a common and serious complication of lymphedema which deteriorates lymphatic function. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of DLA by lymphoscintigraphy in patients with lower extremity lymphedema. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were 59 edematous lower extremities of 50 patients without previous episode of DLA and 12 lower extremities of 6 controls. Whole body images were acquired 1 min and 2 hr after subcutaneous injection of 37 MBq of Tc-99m-antimony sulfide colloid into interdigital spaces of both feet before therapy for lymphedema. The lymphosintigraphic and clinical variables were compared between groups were or without occurrence of DLA during clinical follow up. RESULTS: Thre were 20 episodes of DLA in 12 extremities during clinical follow-up (19+/-6 months). On univariate analysis, there were significant differences in ilioinguinal lymph node uptake, uptake pattern of main lymphatic vessel, clinical stage and therapy compliance between the two groups. After multivariate analysis, only the uptake pattern of main lymphatic vessel and therapy compliance were confirmed to be independent variables. In other words, non-visualized main lymphatic vessel and poor compliance to therapy were more frequent in extremities with subsequent occurrence of DLA. CONCLUSION: Lymphoscintigraphy can be used to predict the risk of DLA and may thus be helpful for determining the initial therapeutic plan in patients with lower extremity lymphedema.