Full bibliography

Lymphatic and venous function in lipoedema.

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
Lymphatic and venous function in lipoedema.
Abstract
Lipoedema is a common but infrequently recognized condition causing bilateral enlargement of the legs in women. Although generally considered to be the result of an abnormal deposition of subcutaneous fat with associated oedema, the precise mechanisms responsible for oedema formation have yet to be fully established. In order to evaluate the possible role of lymphatic or venous dysfunction in the pathogenesis of lipoedema, 10 patients were investigated by photoplethysmography (venous function) and quantitative lymphoscintigraphy (lymphatic function). The results were compared with those from patients with primary lymphoedema and those from healthy volunteers. The results demonstrated minor abnormalities of venous function in only two patients. One patient had moderately impaired lymphatic function in both legs and seven patients had a marginal degree of impairment in one or both legs. However, in none of these cases did the impairment attain the low levels seen in true lymphoedema. Lipoedema appears to be a distinct clinical entity best classified as a lipodystrophy rather than a direct consequence of any primary venous or lymphatic insufficiency.
Publication
The British journal of dermatology
Volume
134
Issue
1
Pages
1-6
Date
1996 Jan
Journal Abbr
Br J Dermatol
Language
eng
ISSN
0007-0963 0007-0963
Extra
Place: England
Citation
Harwood, C. A., Bull, R. H., Evans, J., & Mortimer, P. S. (1996). Lymphatic and venous function in lipoedema. The British Journal of Dermatology, 134(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2133.1996.d01-741.x