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Microsurgery 2019 Feb 15. Epub 2019 Feb 15.

Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Hospital del Trabajador, Santiago, Chile.

Post-traumatic lymphedema is poorly understood. It is rarely considered in limb reconstruction decision-making approach. We report a case of a 41-year-old female who presented with right upper extremity lymphedema after degloving injury and split thickness skin graft, successfully treated with a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) free flap restoring the lymphatic drainage. Read More

Microsurgery 2019 Feb 14. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

International Lymphedema Center, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.

Background: Lymphocele and lymphorrhea are frequent complications after lymph node excision. Recurrent lymphoceles and intractable lymphorrhea are particularly difficult to treat conservatively. We describe the outcomes of four patients with recurrent lymphocele and nine patients with persistent lymphorrhea that were treated by supermicrosurgery. Read More

N Engl J Med 2019 Feb;380(7):694

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Feb;17(1)

Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.

J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2019 Feb 13. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Post Graduate Education and Research, Pondicherry, India.

Lymphedema of filarial origin affecting the vulva is extremely rare. It is a dilemma if seen in a pregnant woman as there are no guidelines regarding excision and the mode of delivery. With the World Health Organization-driven global program to eradicate filaria, it is unfortunate to see such cases. Read More

Front Med (Lausanne) 2019 29;6. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

Department of Dermatology, University Clinics, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany.

Erysipelas is a severe streptococcal infection of the skin primarily spreading through the lymphatic vessels. Penicillin is the treatment of choice. The most common complication consists in relapses which occur in up to 40% or more of patients despite appropriate antibiotic treatment. Read More

Front Immunol 2019 29;10:76. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

The debilitating condition known as secondary lymphedema frequently occurs after lymphadenectomy and/or radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer. These therapies can damage lymphatic vessels leading to edema, fibrosis, inflammation and dysregulated adipogenesis, which result in profound swelling of an affected limb. Importantly, lymphedema patients often exhibit impaired immune function which predisposes them to a variety of infections. Read More

Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2016 29;3(1):000333. Epub 2015 Dec 29.

Department of Internal Medicine, Egas Moniz Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal.

Yellow Nail Syndrome (YNS) is a rare, and probably misdiagnosed, condition. It must be considered in middle-aged patients with unexplained chronic respiratory manifestations, lymphedema and nail abnormalities. We present two cases of undiagnosed YNS until the current admissions, despite several years of investigation. Read More

J Reconstr Microsurg 2019 Feb 13. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Linkou Medical Center and Chang Gung Medical College and Chang Gung University, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Background:  Medical conferences are forums for research, continuing medical education, and networking. Social media is increasingly used for communication and networking due to its low cost and ability to overcome large distances. This study investigates the impact that social media brings to the current conference system. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Feb 13. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

1 Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Research Group for Rehabilitation in Internal Disorders, Leuven, Belgium.

Background: Lymphedema is associated with significant physical and psychosocial problems. The Lymphedema Functioning, Disability and Health questionnaire for upper limb lymphedema is a valid and reliable tool quantifying the amount of problems in functioning in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Patients suggested a revision of the scoring system to facilitate completion of the questionnaire. Read More

Scand J Clin Lab Invest 2018 Nov - Dec;78(7-8):566-574

a Center for Rare Disorders , Oslo University Hospital , Oslo , Norway.

The risks of developing energy or nutrient deficits are of great concern in infants and children with the rare lymphoedema cholestasis syndrome 1 (LCS1)/Aagenaes syndrome. In adolescents and adults, it is not known whether LCS1 patients need specific dietary advice outside periods of cholestasis. The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the progression of the liver disease and nutritional status in patients with LCS1 over a period of nine years. Read More

Indian J Dermatol 2019 Jan-Feb;64(1):65-67

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Lymphedema is extravasation of lymphatic fluid into extracellular spaces and may be primary or secondary. Primary lymphedema may be caused by truncular lymphatic malformation. Long-standing lymphedema may result in various complications due to increased porosity of lymphatics, defective valves, and increased lymphatic pressure. Read More

Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2019 Feb 6. Epub 2019 Feb 6.

Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. Electronic address:

Aims: Secondary angiosarcoma is known to be associated with lymphoedema or radiation after cancer treatment. This systematic review aims to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of secondary angiosarcoma commonly arising after breast cancer treatment.

Materials And Methods: A systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA protocol. Read More

Wiad Lek 2018 ;71(9):1666-1673

Klinika Rehabilitacji Medycznej Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi, Łódź, Polska.

Objective: Introduction: Breast cancer is a disease with high incidence. In Poland, it is the most common cause of death among cancer in women. A common method of treatment is a breast-saving procedure or its radical removal along with nearby lymph nodes. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Feb 8. Epub 2019 Feb 8.

2 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylul University Hospital, İzmir, Turkey.

Aim and Hypothesis: The standard volumeter is heavy and fragile, and using the same volumeter for different patients can result in hygiene problems. These disadvantages point to the need for the development of a new model of volumeter. The new volumeter put forward in this study is lighter, smaller, sturdier, and easier to clean, while also having its own scale. Read More

Mol Syndromol 2019 Jan 20;9(5):266-270. Epub 2018 Jul 20.

Department of Pediatric Genetics, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.

Microcephaly with or without chorioretinopathy, lymphedema, or mental retardation (MCLMR; OMIM 152950) is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited syndrome. Mutations in the kinesin family member 11 () gene have been associated with this condition. Here, we report a de novo novel heterozygous missense mutation in exon 12 of the gene [c. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2019 Jan 15. Epub 2019 Jan 15.

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari 70124, Italy.

Following the reading of the original article "Surgical-site infection following lymph node excision indicates susceptibility for lymphedema: A retrospective cohort study of malignant melanoma patients", the authors reviewed the literature for the discussed therapeutic value of complete lymph node dissection (CLND), the major complications and the current treatment for lymphedema. The authors also share their experience and protocol for CLND, and treating lymphedema using lymph node flap transfer and multiple lymphatic-venous anastomoses. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2019 Mar;82(3):255-261

From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA.

Background: Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in US Hispanic females. This demographic is more likely to present with later-stage disease and require more extensive surgical treatment, including axillary lymph node dissection, which increases risk of lymphedema. The Spanish-speaking Hispanic population has a lower health literacy level and requires materials contoured to their unique needs. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2019 Feb 5. Epub 2019 Feb 5.

From the Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Lymphedema Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.

Background: Lymphoscintigraphy is used to confirm the diagnosis of lymphedema. One end point for the test is to ensure a patent thoracic duct by uptake of tracer in the organs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate transit of radiolabeled colloid to the organs to gain insight into the etiopathophysiology of primary lymphedema. Read More

Support Care Cancer 2019 Feb 7. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Lymphedema Clinic, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, No.146, South Gandi Ave, Vanak Sq, Tehran, 1517964311, Iran.

Purpose: We aimed to determine the effectiveness of combined decongestive therapy (CDT) and the minimum sessions required to significantly reduce pain and heaviness in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Methods: A sample of 169 patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema underwent CDT, 5 days/week for a total of 3 to 4 weeks. Self-reported pain and heaviness was quantified on a separate visual analog scale (VAS) prior to CDT and after 3, 5, 7, 10, and 15 sessions. Read More

Ann Parasitol 2018 ;64(4):309-315

Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, ul. Głęboka 30, 20-612 Lublin, Poland

Bartonellosis is a disease caused by Bartonella spp. microorganisms which belong to the Rickettsiales order. This disease is a zoonosis, B. Read More

Int J Gynecol Cancer 2019 Feb 18;29(2):312-319. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.

Objective: To determine the incidence of long term lymphadenectomy complications in primary surgery for endometrial cancer and to elucidate risk factors for these complications.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was carried out for all patients with endometrial cancer managed at Parma University Hospital Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics between 2010 and 2016. Inclusion criteria were surgical procedure including hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy (pelvic or pelvic and aortic). Read More

Breast Cancer Res Treat 2019 Feb 2. Epub 2019 Feb 2.

LAM-Motion Analysis Laboratory, San Sebastiano Hospital, Correggio, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Purpose: After surgery, breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a frequent chronic condition. The complex decongestive therapy (CDT) delivered by physiotherapists at hospitals is the state-of-the-art treatment choice. As lymphedema requires continuous management, we designed a 1-month-long course to train women to professionally carry out a self-administered CDT (saCDT) and tested its efficacy while keeping the benefits of CDT. Read More

Chin Med J (Engl) 2019 Feb;132(4):480-482

Department of Endocrinology, Genetics, Metabolism, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China.

Plast Reconstr Surg 2019 Feb 1. Epub 2019 Feb 1.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Center Hospital of National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Plast Reconstr Surg 2019 Feb 1. Epub 2019 Feb 1.

.Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital & Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Trop Med Int Health 2019 Jan 31. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Objectives: This longitudinal comparative study investigated the effect of preventive chemotherapy (PC) on covert tissue changes associated with lymphatic filariasis (LF) among young people living in an LF-endemic area in Myanmar.

Methods: Tissue compressibility and extracellular free fluid in the lower limbs of people aged 10 - 21 years were measured using Indurometry and bio-impedance spectroscopy (BIS). Baseline measures were taken in October 2014, annual mass drug administration (MDA) of PC was delivered in December and in March 2015, and further PC was offered to LF-positive cases who had missed MDA. Read More

Acta Oncol 2019 Jan 31:1-8. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

a Survivorship Unit, Danish Cancer Society Research Center , Copenhagen , Denmark.

Aims: To examine the effect of progressive resistance training (PRT) on health related quality of life and a predefined symptom cluster of pain-sleep-fatigue.

Methods: This study was a planned secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial examining the effect of PRT on prevention of arm lymphedema in a population of women between 18 and 75 years undergoing breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph node dissection. Participants were allocated by computer randomization to usual care control or a PRT intervention in a 1:1 ratio. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Jan 30. Epub 2019 Jan 30.

Department of Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Background: Lower extremity swelling accompanies many conditions, including gynecological surgery and chronic venous dysfunction. Some clinical and quantitative assessment methods exist, but other ways to rapidly assess early lymphedema and track changes are needed. Our goal was to use lower to upper extremity intraside tissue dielectric constant (TDC) ratios with the specific aim of providing normal reference values potentially useful as a comparison measure against which persons at risk for lower extremity lymphedema might be evaluated. Read More

Acta Oncol 2019 Jan 30:1-8. Epub 2019 Jan 30.

a Surviorship Unit , Danish Cancer Society Research Center , Copenhagen , Denmark.

Background: The purpose of the study was to examine adherence and identify patient- and treatment-related factors associated with adherence to a 20-week combined supervised and home-based progressive resistance training program in women treated for breast cancer.

Methodology: The study population consisted of the intervention group in a randomized clinical trial examining the effect of resistance exercise on lymphoedema prevention (n = 82). The full program lasted 50 weeks, with an initial 20 weeks combined supervised and home-based exercise followed by 30 weeks self-administered exercise. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Jan 29. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

1 Bioinformatics Program, School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia .

Background: There are various methods of detecting and monitoring arm lymphedema after breast cancer (BC) treatment. Using volumetric measurements is the most common method performed clinically in the United States, and several techniques exist. Recently, the use of infrared cameras has been explored by several groups. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019 Jan 29:194599818823180. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

3 Center for Molecular Imaging, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine at the University of Texas Head Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.

Ten head and neck cancer survivors diagnosed with head and neck lymphedema (HNL) were imaged using near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging (NIRFLI) prior to and immediately after an initial advance pneumatic compression device treatment and again after 2 weeks of daily at-home use. Images assessed the impact of pneumatic compression therapy on lymphatic drainage. Facial composite measurement scores assessed reduction/increase in external swelling, and survey results were obtained. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Jan 29. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

2 Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong, China .

Introduction: Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) has become the established treatment for secondary lymphedema. The proposed mechanisms of VLNT include lymphangiogenesis and absorptive action of transplanted lymphatic tissue. Therefore, in theory, the lymph node content of lymph node flap is crucial to clinical response. Read More

Cell Biol Int 2019 Jan 28. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China.

Our study was designed to investigate the effects of IL-7 during the differentiation process of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) toward lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). IL-7 was added to the traditional induced medium, which was called the IL-7 (+) group, while the group that used traditional induced medium was called the IL-7 (-) group. After 7 days of induction of ADSCs, a comprehensive analysis was conducted between these two groups. Read More

Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2019 Jan 25. Epub 2019 Jan 25.

School of Medicine, University of Utah.

Objectives: To describe development and testing of a physical therapy treatment code documentation taxonomy.

Design: Clinician survey within a practice-based evidence (PBE) study framework for patients with lymphedema.

Setting: Outpatient physical therapy clinics within a large public healthcare service using a central electronic medical record. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019 Jan 28;13(1):e0007050. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.

Background: Podoconiosis, affects lower limb, is an entirely preventable non-communicable tropical disease common in low income countries. Globally it is estimated that there are 4 million peoples with podoconiosis and nationally it is estimated that there are 1.56 million cases of podoconiosis. Read More

Arch Plast Surg 2019 Jan 15;46(1):46-56. Epub 2019 Jan 15.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea.

Background: When performing lymphovenous anastomosis, it is sometimes difficult to find venules in the proximity of an ideal lymphatic vessel that have a similar diameter to that of the lymphatic vessel. In this situation, larger venules can be used.

Methods: The authors evaluated the efficacy of and patient satisfaction with lymphovenous bypass with sleeve-in anastomosis. Read More

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2019 Mar;46(1):165-178

Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Women and Infants Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905, USA. Electronic address:

Survivorship care includes surveillance and prevention of cancer recurrence, addressing side effects of cancer and cancer treatment and coordination of follow-up care. This article reviews guidelines for surveillance of women with ovarian, endometrial, cervical, and vulvar cancer. It also reviews many of the long-term physical side effects of gynecologic cancer treatment including fatigue, neuropathy, lymphedema, cognitive dysfunction, sexual health concerns, menopausal symptoms, infertility, and economic stressors. Read More

J Clin Med 2019 Jan 24;8(2). Epub 2019 Jan 24.

Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy.

Breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) is frequent but strategies for an individualized risk assessment are lacking. We aimed to define whether tumor-specific pathological features, coupled with clinical and therapeutic data, could help identify patients at risk. Data from 368 patients with node-positive breast cancers were retrospectively collected, including 75 patients with BCRL (0. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2019 Jan 21. Epub 2019 Jan 21.

Section of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is a physiologic microsurgical technique used for the treatment of lymphedema. As VLNT is becoming more common, it is essential that we are aware of all potential complications associated with VLNT and know how to avoid and manage them when they do occur.We recently encountered a complication after supraclavicular vascularized lymph node transfer (SCVLNT) that has not been previously reported. Read More

JCI Insight 2019 Jan 24. Epub 2019 Jan 24.

The lymphatic system plays crucial roles in tissue homeostasis, lipid absorption and immune cell trafficking. While lymphatic valves ensure unidirectional lymph flows, the flow itself controls lymphatic valve formation. Here, we demonstrate that a mechanically activated ion channel Piezo1 senses oscillating shear stress (OSS), and incorporates the signal into the genetic program controlling lymphatic valve development and maintenance. Read More

Clin Nucl Med 2019 Mar;44(3):179-185

From the Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine and.

Objectives: Lymphedema is a chronic disease that occurs frequently after breast cancer treatment. For the treatment of lymphedema, surgical approach such as vascularized lymph node transfer and super-microscopic lymphovenous anastomosis surgery is well established. Complex decongestive therapy (CDT) and sympathetic ganglion block (SGB) are two non-surgical therapeutic options. Read More

EJVES Short Rep 2019 6;42:8-11. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

Radiology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.

This is the first case report of upper extremity lymphoedema caused by a thyroid tumour. An 87 year old female patient with grade 3 lymphoedema of the upper right extremity was admitted. The lymphoedema had developed over the course of two years. Read More

JCI Insight 2019 Jan 22. Epub 2019 Jan 22.

Current clinical methods for the evaluation of lymphatic vessel function, crucial for early diagnosis and evaluation of treatment-response of several pathological conditions, in particular of post-surgical lymphedema, are based on complex and mainly qualitative imaging techniques. To address this unmet medical need, we established a simple strategy for the painless and quantitative assessment of cutaneous lymphatic function. We prepared a lymphatic-specific tracer formulation, consisting of the clinically approved near-infrared fluorescent dye, indocyanine green, and the solubilizing surfactant Kolliphor HS15. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2019 Jan 12. Epub 2019 Jan 12.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, National Cancer Center, 5-1-1 Tsukiji Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2019 Jan 16. Epub 2019 Jan 16.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yamato Municipal Citizen's Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan.

Objective: Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) is one of the surgical treatments of lymphedema. However, only a few reports have evaluated LVA directly. This study aimed to evaluate the patency of LVA using indocyanine green fluorescence lymphography and to determine the optimal anastomosis site in patients with lower extremity lymphedema. Read More

Int J Gynecol Cancer 2019 Jan 18. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.

Objective: To determine the incidence of long term lymphadenectomy complications in primary surgery for endometrial cancer and to elucidate risk factors for these complications.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was carried out for all patients with endometrial cancer managed at Parma University Hospital Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics between 2010 and 2016. Inclusion criteria were surgical procedure including hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy (pelvic or pelvic and aortic). Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Jan 18. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

1 Department of Plastic Surgery, Santa Creu i Sant Pau Hospital. (Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain.

Background: Conservative nonsurgical treatment has traditionally been applied to lymphedema. Early surgical procedures were invasive and disfiguring and their long-term success was often limited. In contrast, contemporary surgical techniques are much less invasive and have been shown to be effective in reducing excess limb volume, the risk of cellulitis, and the need for compression garments. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2018 Dec 20;6(12):e2056. Epub 2018 Dec 20.

Division of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Background: Primary lymphedema is a debilitating disease. This study was to investigate the outcomes between vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) and lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) for treating primary lymphedema.

Methods: Between January 2010 and December 2016, 17 patients with mean age of 31. Read More