Lymphangiography in Filarial Lymphoedema and Elephantiasis

Abstract

SummaryNine patients with filarial lymphoedema or elephantiasis were investigated by lymphangiography. In Kenya x-ray lymphangiograms made in patients with filarial lymphoedema show a typical pattern of varicosities which clearly differentiate this condition from lymphostatic verrucosis, the prevalent form of non-filarial lymphoedema. Microfilariae are absent from the blood even when there is no obstruction to the flow of lymph in the affected leg. In advanced cases there is total obliteration of the lymphatic system of the leg.