Venous Obstruction in the Aetiology of Lymphoedema Praecox

Abstract

In 23 patients with clinical primary lymphoedema starting in youth (lymphoedema praecox) the venous drainage of the affected leg was investigated by venography and by venous-flow and venous-pressure studies. Eleven patients showed evidence of obstruction of the left common iliac vein, probably by the right common iliac artery. Lymphangiography was performed in 10 cases, and clinical lymphoedema was seen with both abnormal and normal lymphangiographic appearances. The manner in which a raised venous pressure could influence the onset of lymphoedema is discussed.