title: Vesiculobullous cutaneous lymphatic reflux.
abstract: Although lymphedema is a fairly common condition, cutaneous vesicles and bullae due to reflux of lymphatic fluid are rare. We describe a patient with adenocarcinoma of the cervix treated by radiation in whom acute secondary lymphedema with overlying clear vesicles and bullae developed. Histopathologic examination revealed a subepidermal vesicle communicating directly with a dermal lymphatic vessel. Vesicles occur only in lymphedema of acute onset. Vesiculobullous cutaneous lymphatic reflux should be recognized as a rare complication of lymphedema and included in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous blistering disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, USAF Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Groff
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: White
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen; D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D012872:Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / Q000209:etiology*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy*