Abstract
Lymphedema of the limbs is characterized by obstruction of limb collecting lymphatics by inflammation or mechanical obstruction after trauma or oncological surgery and irradiation. Lack of natural tissue fluid drainage pathways is followed by its accumulation in the interstitial space leading to expansion of tissues called clinical edema. The stagnant tissue edema fluid contains proteins, recirculating immune cells, and cellular debris. Moreover, bacteria penetrating the sole of the skin cannot be evacuated due to lack of outflow pathways to the regional lymph nodes. Among the complications of lymphedema, the most frequent are dermatolymphangioadenitis (DLA), skin fibrosis, deposition of fat tissue in the subcutis, and skin ulcers.
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Olszewski, W.L. (2016). Lymphatic Ulcer of Lower Limb. In: Khanna, A., Tiwary, S. (eds) Ulcers of the Lower Extremity. Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2635-2_15
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2635-2_15
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