The British Journal of Radiology, Vol 69, Issue 828 1117-1124, Copyright © 1996 by British Institute of Radiology

ARTICLES

Lymphoscintigraphy and colour Doppler sonography in the assessment of leg oedema of unknown cause

DC Wheatley, ML Wastie, SC Whitaker, AC Perkins and BR Hopkinson
Department of Radiology, Queens Medical Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham, UK.

Oedema of the lower limbs may be associated with a number of factors, most commonly a lymphatic or venous abnormality. Generally effective treatment options are only available with venous disorders. The aim of this study is to show that a combination of duplex Doppler sonography and lymphoscintigraphy in patients with limb oedema will help to determine the aetiology and thus identify patients for whom treatment is appropriate. 32 patients presenting with unexplained oedema involving the lower limb have been studied. Each patient underwent Doppler sonography followed by lymphoscintigraphy. In 16 patients the lymphoscintigraphy was abnormal, showing absent or poorly visualized lymphatics. The Doppler study was abnormal in 17 patients, nine of whom went on to receive definitive surgical treatment. In five patients both studies were abnormal and there were six cases where both investigations were normal. It is concluded that in the great majority of referrals (82%), the combination of lymphoscintigraphy and Doppler ultrasound is a satisfactory means of assessment of patients with unexplained limb oedema.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				A. Tiwari, K.-S. Cheng, M. Button, F. Myint, and G. Hamilton Differential Diagnosis, Investigation, and Current Treatment of Lower Limb Lymphedema Arch Surg, February 1, 2003; 138(2): 152 - 161. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]