Lighthouse Lymphedema Network

I wanted to make a special announcement that the Lighthouse Lymphedema.Network is now on Facebook.

.

You can join by going to:

.

Lighthouse Facebook

.

.

There is also an area where you can post and participate. AND - don't forget our upcoming program in October.

.

We will be having both a parenting network and a teen network this year....be there or be square!

.

see the details for that at:

Lighthouse Lymphedema Network

.

**yes, I'm on it too :-)

.

Pat

The CEAP-L classification for lymphedemas of the limbs: the Italian experience.

The CEAP-L classification for lymphedemas of the limbs: the Italian experience.
Int Angiol. 2009 Aug

Gasbarro V, Michelini S, Antignani PL, Tsolaki E, Ricci M, Allegra C.
Unit of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgical, Anesthesiological and Radiological Sciences, Sant'Anna University Hospital, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy allegra@mclink.it.

AIM: A method to classificate lymphedema has been needed to gather all the important information on the clinical evolution of the disease using a common language and an easy clinical applicability.

METHODS: The proposal for a new classification of the limb lymphedema was inspired by the C.E.A.P. classification for chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limb. The classification adopts the acronym C.E.A.P. by adding the letter L to underline the aspect ''lymphedema'' and is based on clinical data such as extension of lymphedema, presence of lymphangitis, leg ulcers and loss of functionality of the limb and instrumental criteria that permit to confirm and precise diagnosis. The Clinical classification is based on the most objective sign in these patients, the edema which is subdivided into 5 classes depending on the clinical manifestations. The etiological aspect considers 2 types of alterations of the lymphatic system: congenital and acquired. The anatomic is aimed to locate the anatomical structures involved. Pathophysiological conditions are gathered into 5 groups: agenesia or hypoplasia, hyperplasia, reflux, overload, obstruction.

RESULTS: The classification has already been appraised after 4 years of activity at the unit of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of Ferrara, at the S. Giovanni Battista Hospital in Rome, at the Umberto I Ancona Hospital and at the S. Giovanni- Addolorata Hospital in Rome.

CONCLUSIONS: The proposal for a new classification of lymphedema C.E.A.P. L was developed in order to categorize patients with definite and objective marks, creating clinical reports with a common vocabulary, clear to all clinicians, permitting to stage the disease, evaluate treatment and finally obtain epidemiological and statistical data.

PubMed

Adverse effects of compression in treatment of limb lymphedema.]

Adverse effects of compression in treatment of limb lymphedema.

J Mal Vasc. 2009 Aug 18

Vignes S, Arrault M.

Unité de lymphologie, centre national de référence des maladies vasculaires rares, hôpital Cognacq-Jay, 15, rue Eugène-Millon, 75015 Paris, France.

INTRODUCTION: Limb lymphedema, whether primary or secondary, is a chronic disease. Compression is the cornerstone of therapy and includes multilayer low-stretch bandages and elastic garments. Compression is usually well-tolerated. The aim of our study was to identify all the different types of adverse effects of compression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since January 2005, we have recorded all adverse events occurring in outpatients and inpatients consulting in a single lymphology department, spontaneously reported by patient during consultations or physical examinations, and noted the type of compression material used.

RESULTS: Adverse effects were secondary to poor choice of therapeutic material, excessive pressure or contact dermatitis. For the arms, an elastic garment stopping at the wrist can be responsible for lymphedema of the hand and fingers. Rubbing of sleeve seams may cause pain and even ulcers between the thumb and forefinger. Open-toed elastic stockings may exacerbate digital lymphedema, leading to the formation of oozing lymph vesicles. Hyperpressure may cause severe pain localized to the first and fifth toes, overlapping toes, interdigital corns and/or ingrown toenails. Silicone-banded soft-fit elastic garments may cause painful phlyctena, urticaria or eczematiform lesions. Elastic bandages may induce pain or purpuric lesions.

CONCLUSION: Compression can be responsible for adverse effects, sometimes severe, requiring treatment change or withdrawal. Further studies are needed to precisely determine their frequency to improve prescriptions and currently available products.

EMConsulte

Massive Localized Lymphedema - A Review

Massive localised lymphoedema: a clinicopathological study of 22 cases and review of the literature.

J Clin Pathol. 2009 Sep;

Manduch M, Oliveira AM, Nascimento AG, Folpe AL.
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.

BACKGROUND: Massive localised lymphedema (MLL) is a rare, relatively recently described pseudosarcoma most often occurring in morbidly obese patients.

AIM: To perform a retrospective review of all cases diagnosed as MLL.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical information was obtained. 22 morbidly obese adults (mean patient weight 186 kg) presented with unilateral, large soft tissue lesions of longstanding duration. Most lesions involved the thigh, but also occurred in the posterior calf and lower leg. Clinically, most lesions were regarded as representing benign processes, including pedunculated lipoma, lymphocoele or recurrent cellulitis, although soft tissue sarcoma was also suspected in two cases. Grossly, all masses showed markedly thickened skin with a "cobblestone" appearance, and were ill-defined, unencapsulated, lobulate, and very large (mean size 31 cm, range 15-61.5 cm, mean weight 3386 g, range 1133-10,800 g). Histologically, all 22 cases showed striking dermal fibrosis, expansion of the fibrous septa between fat lobules with increased numbers of stromal fibroblasts, lymphatic proliferation and lymphangiectasia. Multinucleated fibroblastic cells, marked vascular proliferation, moderate stromal cellularity and fascicular growth raised concern among referring pathologists for atypical lipomatous tumour/well differentiated liposarcoma, angiosarcoma, and a fibroblastic neoplasm such as fibromatosis in 10, 2 and 1 case, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of MLL continues to be challenging, in particular for pathologists. Awareness of this entity, clinical correlation and gross pathological correlation are essential in the separation of this distinctive pseudosarcoma from its various morphological mimics.

British Medical Journal

For further information on Massive Localized Lymphedema and Tretments available click here: Massive Localized Lymphedema

Georgia Lymphedema Education and Awareness Program

11th Annual Lymphedema Education & Awareness Program

An educational and awareness conference for patients, caregivers and professionals!

Where?

Piedmont Hospital

Piedmont Hospital

Richard H. Rich Auditorium

1968 Peachtree Road, NW, Building 77

Atlanta, Georgia

When?

Saturday, October 18, 20087:30 am - 5:30 pm

Program includes

What to expect of tissue after radiation?

What is the physiology response of radiation?

What does radiation do to the lymph nodes? - Peter Rossi, MD

How does vascular flow affect the lymphatics? - Ken Harper, MD

Expectations of surgery. - Christopher Hart, MD, FACSThe Lymphatic System, Wound Care,

Infections and Treatment - Paula Stewart, MDParent Networking

Aquatic Exercises

The Connection of obesity and increased swelling in people with lymphedema and lipedema.and more.

Additional information and registration form - Home website - Lighthouse Lymphedema Network

See you there - Pat