Clinical picture and ultrasound manifestations of secondary lymphedema of the maxillofacial region

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine the main clinical symptoms and ultrasound manifestations of secondary lymphedema of the maxillofacial region. This study is based on the study of a comprehensive examination and the effectiveness of treatment of 15 patients diagnosed with lymphedema of the maxillofacial region, who are on outpatient treatment at the Federal State Budgetary Institution "National Medical Research Centre for Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation from 2020-2021 at the age of 18 to 70 years. The examination of patients included the study of complaints, anamnesis of life, anamnesis of the disease, external examination and examination of the oral cavity, palpation of soft tissues of the maxillofacial region, X-ray examination (if necessary). All patients underwent ultrasound examination of the soft tissues of the maxillofacial area. When examining patients, it was revealed that the main clinical symptoms of lymphedema of the maxillofacial region are the presence of edema, a feeling of heaviness and stiffness of movements in the area of edema and the absence of symptoms of inflammation such as fever, hyperemia and pain. 100% of patients had the following ultrasound manifestations in the area of lymphatic drainage disorders: an increase in tissue thickness, impaired tissue differentiation into layers, a diffuse increase in tissue echogenicity, and the presence of dilated lymphatic vessels. Lymphedema of the maxillofacial region is a polyetiological disease that is difficult to diagnose, requiring a thorough examination of the patient, including basic examination methods, radiography, and mandatory ultrasound examination of soft tissues.