MRI and ultrasonographic findings in the investigation of lymphedema and lipedema.
METHODS
Twenty-four healthy subjects and 16 patients with lymphedema and lipedema were studied with MRI and ultratomography.


RESULTS
In chronic lymphedema, ultrasonography revealed a statistically significant increase of the subcutaneous fat without difference in skin thickness as compared to the healthy subjects. MRI revealed in lymphedema a statistically significant increase of skin thickness + subcutaneous tissue + muscular mass (p = 0.048); in lipedema, a statistically significant increase of skin thickness and subcutaneous tissue (p < 0.0001) as compared to the healthy controls.


CONCLUSIONS
MRI offers strong qualitative and quantitative parameters in the diagnosis of lymphedema and lipolymphedema, while ultrasonography is expected to improve its diagnostic efficiency with the aid of high frequency echo with more sophisticated resolution apparatus. Age, weight and height of the patient as well as duration of the disease do not seem to affect the above-mentioned parameters.
Dimakakos
P B
PB
Vascular Department B' Surgical Clinic, Aretaeion Hospital, University of Athens, Greece.
Stefanopoulos
T
T
Antoniades
P
P
Antoniou
A
A
Gouliamos
A
A
Rizos
D
D
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004487:Edema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography