Lymphatic abnormalities demonstrated by lymphoscintigraphy after lower limb cellulitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cellulitis is a common cause for admission to hospital, and repeated episodes are thought to damage the lymphatic system. Lymphoedema is recognized as a condition predisposing to cellulitis but there are no data to suggest its prevalence among a population presenting to hospital with acute cellulitis. OBJECTIVES: To ascertain whether lymphatic abnormalities represent a common problem in patients with lower limb cellulitis. METHODS: Patients admitted with cellulitis of the lower limb were invited to undergo clinical examination and lymphoscintigraphy. RESULTS: Thirty patients agreed to participate in the study. Fifteen underwent lymphoscintigraphy. Thirteen had abnormal scans indicating impaired lymph drainage (seven patients had clinical lymphoedema). CONCLUSIONS: Lymphatic abnormalities represent an important but unrecognized problem in patients with leg cellulitis.