Congenital Lymphedema
April 18, 2010
| Abstract Title: | Congenital Lymphedema |
| Authors: | Paulisan Ramona-Diana, Lazar Dorin, Leordean Viorica |
| Affiliation: | “Vasile Goldis” Western University, Arad, Romania |
| Abstract text: | Congenital lymphedema: A condition present at birth in which excess fluid called lymph collects in tissues and causes swelling (edema) in them. Congenital lymphedema is due to a congenital malformation (that is, a birth defect) of the lymphatic system. Congenital lymphedema can be found associated with the Noonan and Turner syndromes and a number of forms of lymphedema are clearly due to genetic factors. Lymphedema, also known as lymphatic obstruction, is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system. The lymphatic system returns the interstitial fluid to the thoracic duct and then to the bloodstream, where it is recirculated back to the tissues. Tissues with lymphedema are at risk of infection. The flow of lymph from the legs towards the heart is the result of the calf pump. As a person walks, the calf muscle contracts, squeezing lymph out of the leg via the lymphatic vessels. When the muscle relaxes, valves in the vessels shut preventing the fluid from returning to the lower extremities.[1] The lymph from the legs is filtered through the inguinal nodes in the groin area on its way to the thoracic duct. Blockage of the inguinal nodes can contribute to swelling in the legs. From the thoracic duct, the lymph is returned to the venous circulation through the left subclavian vein. Lymphedema is a condition in which one or more extremities become swollen as the result of an impaired flow of the lymphatic system. There are two types of lymphedema; primary, secondary. Filariasis is the most common cause of lymphedema worldwide. Symptoms include swelling of one or more limbs, thickening, cracked, and secondary bacterial or fungal infections of the skin. There is no cure for lymphedema. |
| Keywords: | lymphedema, lymphatic obstruction, lymphatic system, infection |
| Presentation type: | Oral |
| Correspondence: | no. 1 Feleacului St., Arad, Romania |
| Email: | dia_paulisan@yahoo.com |
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