Nuclear imaging in a patient with praecox lymphedema.

Abstract

A 42-year-old woman had progressive swelling with pain and vesicle formation on both lower extremities for more than 20 years. Lymphoscintigraphy of both lower extremities showed dermal back flow in the right lower extremity and no evidence of lymph flow in the left lower extremity 1 hour after subcutaneous injection of tracer and these findings persisted after 4 hours. These findings indicate abnormal lymphatic drainage in both lower extremities with total occlusion on the left side. A Tc-99m albumin venogram also was performed and showed marked venous collateral circulation in the left lower extremity.