[Scintigraphy studies of lymph flow in paralyzed upper extremities].
BACKGROUND
In paralysed limbs quite often edemas are seen, which might pose problems during rehabilitation. The origin of these edemas is not fully understood.


METHODS
48 patients with hemiplegia and edema of the paralysed arm were studied; in 40 patients lymphoscintigraphic studies (static and dynamic lymphography) were performed.


RESULTS
In 80% of these cases lymphatic flow in the paralysed arm was increased compared to the healthy arm. If there was marked edema in the paralysed arm, the increase of lymph flow was considerable (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Edemas in hemiplegic extremities are not due to lymphedema, as in lymphedema the lymph flow usually is very slow. They most likely are caused by disorders of filtration and reabsorption, due to a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.
Werner
G T
GT
Abteilung für Physikalische Medizin und Medizinische Rehabilitation, Städtisches Krankenhaus München-Bogenhausen.
Gerhards
W
W
Ingrisch
H
H
Schütte
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008196:Lymph / Q000502:physiology*; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin
D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin; C083602:technetium Tc 99m nanocolloid
Szintigraphische Untersuchungen des Lymphtransportes in gelähmten oberen Extremitäten.