title: Factitious lymphedema of the arm: case report and review of publications.
abstract: The aim of this study was to report a case of factitious lymphedema of the arm and related lymphoscintigraphic aspects. The case of a 36-year-old patient is reported who started to present with pain, in the 3rd finger of the right hand three years prior to this report, which she associated with her work. Joint effusion was identified and treated using a splint that restricted blood flow leading to edema of the distal third of the forearm. Since then the patient was treated however her condition worsened resulting in edema of the entire arm. Subsequently she was referred to our service. A physical examination identified a restrictive band in the axillary region of the arm that delimited the edema. Volumetry and lymphoscintigraphic examinations of the limb were performed. The lymphoscintigraphy demonstrated acceleration of the flow in the affected limb and dermal reflux. Clinical treatment with removal of the restriction allowed a rapid reduction in the volume of the limb.
authors.affiliation: Medicine School, São José do Rio Preto, FAMERP and Research Godoy Clinic, Brazil - godoyjmp@riopreto.com.br.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Fátima Guerreiro Godoy
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Pereira De Godoy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D061305:Lymphoscintigraphy / Q000379:methods*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities