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Lymphedema

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Phlebology, Vein Surgery and Ultrasonography

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Abstract

Lymphedema is the result of impaired lymphatic function. Lymphedema is characterized by swelling of tissues, most commonly involving the lower extremities in 80 % of cases. It can also occur in the arms, face, trunk, and external genitalia. Leg edema is a common condition that is seen by all practicing clinicians. The differential diagnosis of lower extremity edema is extensive and includes systemic causes such as congestive heart failure, renal insufficiency, hepatic insufficiency, hypoalbuminemia, and medications and local causes such as deep vein thrombosis, venous insufficiency, lymphedema, lipedema, and cellulitis. A detailed understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and the pathophysiology of lymphedema will contribute to the proper diagnosis and treatment of this complex and important clinical condition.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, George Washington University Medical Center, 22nd and I Street, NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC, USA

    James Laredo MD, PhD, FACS, RVT, RPVI

  2. George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA

    Byung Boong Lee MD, PhD, FACS

Authors
  1. James Laredo MD, PhD, FACS, RVT, RPVI
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  2. Byung Boong Lee MD, PhD, FACS
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to James Laredo MD, PhD, FACS, RVT, RPVI .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Vein Specialists of Monterey, Monterey, California, USA

    Eric Mowatt-Larssen

  2. Department of Surgery, University of Texas-Houston Duke University School of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA

    Sapan S. Desai

  3. MSB 5.030, University of Texas-Houston, Houston, Texas, USA

    Anahita Dua

  4. Vascular Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA

    Cynthia E. K. Shortell

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© 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Laredo, J., Lee, B.B. (2014). Lymphedema. In: Mowatt-Larssen, E., Desai, S., Dua, A., Shortell, C. (eds) Phlebology, Vein Surgery and Ultrasonography. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01812-6_23

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01812-6_23

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-01811-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-01812-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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