J Korean Rheum Assoc.
1995 Jan;2(1):28-33.
Lymphedema Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Affiliations
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- 1Rheumatism Center, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Mecidine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
- 2Department of Diagnostic radiology, College of Mecidine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinical manifestations and causes of upper limb edema in 8 patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
METHODS
Eight patients with upper limb edema in association with rheumatoid arthritis were investigated for their clinical manifestations and assessment of lymphatic function with lymphoscintigrphy. In lymphoscintigraphy, 99mTc-Human serum albumin((0.3ml, 1.0mci) was injected subcutaneously into the second web space of each hand. Images were obtained over injetion site and both axillary regions at Ohr and 2hr post-injection. The visualization of axillary lymph node and the percentage uptake of isotope in the axillary regions were evaluated.
RESULTS
All patients except one have unilateral upper limb edema and showed no relation between lymphedema and either activity or duration of arthritis. Six of eight cases were found to have impaired lymph drainage and two cases showed normal lymphatic function.
CONCLUSION
This study describes lymphedema in patients with rheumatoid arthritis due to impaired lymphatic function and a relatively rapid production of interstitial fluid.
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