Inflammatory Manifestations of Lymphedema. Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Lymphedema results from lymphatic insufficiency leading to a progressive inflammatory process that ultimately manifests as discomfort, recurrent infections, and, at times, secondary malignancy. Collectively, these morbidities contribute to an overall poor quality of life. Although there have been recent advances in microsurgical interventions, a conservative palliative approach remains the mainstay of treatment for this disabling disease. The absence of a cure is due to an incomplete understanding of the pathophysiological changes that result in lymphedema. A histological hallmark of lymphedema is inflammatory cell infiltration and recent studies with animal models and clinical biopsy specimens have suggested that this response plays a key role in the pathology of the disease. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the ongoing research in and the current understanding of the inflammatory manifestations of lymphedema.

publication date

  • January 17, 2017

Research

keywords

  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Inflammation
  • Lymphatic System
  • Lymphedema

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC5297803

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 85009926809

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1038/nri1670

PubMed ID

  • 28106728

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 18

issue

  • 1