In authors or contributors

Sensitivity and Specificity of the Stemmer Sign for Lymphedema: A Clinical Lymphoscintigraphic Study

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
Sensitivity and Specificity of the Stemmer Sign for Lymphedema: A Clinical Lymphoscintigraphic Study
Abstract
Background: The Stemmer sign is a physical examination finding used to diagnose lymphedema. If the examiner cannot pinch the skin of the dorsum of the foot or hand then this positive finding is associated with lymphedema. The purpose of the study was to determine the accuracy of the Stemmer sign to predict lymphedema. Methods: All patients referred to our Lymphedema Program between 2016 and 2018 were tested for the Stemmer sign and underwent lymphoscintigraphy to define the patient’s lymphatic function. Patient age, lymphedema type (primary and secondary), disease location (arm and leg), lymphoscintigraphy findings, stage, severity, and body mass index were recorded. Comparison of predictive variables and Stemmer sign result was performed using Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t test. Results: One hundred ten patients were studied: patients with a positive Stemmer sign (n = 87) exhibited abnormal (n = 80) or normal (n = 7) lymphatic function by lymphoscintigraphy (sensitivity = 92%). False-positive Stemmer signs included individuals with obesity (n = 6) or spinal muscle atrophy (n = 1). Subjects with a negative Stemmer sign (n = 23) had normal (n = 13) or abnormal (n = 10) lymphatic function by imaging (specificity = 57%). Patients with a false-negative Stemmer sign were more likely to have a normal body mass index (P = 0.02) and Stage 1 disease (P = 0.01). Conclusions: A positive Stemmer sign is a sensitive predictor for primary and secondary lymphedema of the arms or legs and, thus, is a useful part of the physical examination. Because the test exhibits moderate specificity, lymphoscintigraphy should be considered for patients with a high suspicion of lymphedema that have a negative Stemmer sign.
Publication
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open
Volume
7
Issue
6
Pages
e2295
Date
2019-6-25
Journal Abbr
Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open
ISSN
2169-7574
Short Title
Sensitivity and Specificity of the Stemmer Sign for Lymphedema
Accessed
7/15/22, 6:49 PM
Library Catalog
PubMed Central
Citation
Goss, J. A., & Greene, A. K. (2019). Sensitivity and Specificity of the Stemmer Sign for Lymphedema: A Clinical Lymphoscintigraphic Study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 7(6), e2295. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002295
Publication