RADIOACTIVE INJECTIONS FOR CHRONIC SWOLLEN LEGS: CASE SERIES OF BILATERAL LYMPHOEDEMA

Abstract

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition due to lymphatic drainage abnormality causing swollen limbs. Although less-known, lymphoscintigraphy or evaluation of lymphatic system following radioactive injections is a relatively simple and valuable functional imaging. This case series report 3 cases of bilateral lower limb lymphoedema in order to highlight the usefulness and complementary diagnostic role of lymphoscintigraphy as well as clinical characteristics and scintigraphy findings of these patients. They were obese, but none had any lower limb trauma or documented deep vein thrombosis. Clinical history and manifestations were not suggestive of filarial infections. Case 1; 61 years old male with bilateral chronic swollen legs and underlying liver cirrhosis demonstrated abnormal tracer progression with bilateral mild diffuse dermal backflow on scintigraphy. Case 2; 43 years old male with a prominent right leg swelling and history of cellulitis demonstrated scintigraphically abnormal tracer progression in right leg and bilateral dermal backflow with popliteal nodes. Case 3; 46 years old male with bilateral chronic swollen legs and history of cellulitis demonstrated abnormal tracer progression in left leg with contralateral right dermal backflow on scintigraphy. All patients had revealed scintigraphy findings suggestive of bilateral lower limb lymphoedema.