Uncovering Lymphatic Transport Abnormalities in Patients with Primary Lipedema: An Update

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
Uncovering Lymphatic Transport Abnormalities in Patients with Primary Lipedema: An Update
Abstract
Background: Although lipedema is often clinically distinguished from lymphedema, there is considerable overlap between the 2 entities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate lymphoscintigraphic findings in patients with lipedema to better characterize lymphatic flow in this patient population. Methods: This is an updated 4 year experience containing significant new information of patients with lipedema receiving lymphoscintigraphy at our institution between January 2015 and October 2017. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and lymphoscintigraphic findings were extracted. Klienhan’s transport index (TI) was utilized to assess lymphatic flow in patient’s lower extremities (LEs). Scores range from 0-45, with values >10 denoting pathologic lymphatic transport. Results: 19 total patients with lipedema underwent lymphoscintigraphic evaluation. Mean age was 54.8 and mean BMI was 35.9 kg/m2. Severity of lipedema was classified as stage 1 in 5 patients (26.3%), stage 2 in 4 patients (21.1%), stage 3 in 4 patients (21.1%), and stage 4 in 6 patients (31.6%). The mean TI for all extremities was 12.5. 24 (63.2%) LEs had a pathologic TI , including 7 LEs with stage 1 (29.2%), 3 LEs with stage 2 (12.5%), 6 LEs with stage 3 (25.0%), and 8 LEs with stage 4 lipedema (33.3%). The mean TI was significantly greater for extremities with severe (stage 3/4) lipedema than those with mild or moderate (stage 1/2) lipedema (15.1 vs. 9.7, p=0.049). Mean difference in TI scores between each LE for individual patients was 6.43 (SD 7.96). Conclusions: Our results suggest that patients with lipedema have impaired lymphatic transport, and more severe lipedema may be associated with greater lymphatic transport abnormalities.
Date
2019-09-22
Proceedings Title
Plastic Surgery 2019
Conference Name
Plastic Surgery 2019
Place
San Diego, United States
Publisher
ASPS
Short Title
Uncovering Lymphatic Transport Abnormalities in Patients with Primary Lipedema
Library Catalog
Google Scholar
Citation
Goel, P., Gould, D. J., El-Sabawi, B., Badash, I., Colletti, P. M., & Patel, K. M. (2019, September 22). Uncovering Lymphatic Transport Abnormalities in Patients with Primary Lipedema: An Update. Plastic Surgery 2019. Plastic Surgery 2019, San Diego, United States.