Korean J Med.  2014 Jul;87(1):115-119.

A Case of Lymphedema Associated with Psoriasis

• Yang SY
• Kim DY
• Im H
• Kim H
• Jung SC
• Kim HW
• Moon KH

Abstract

Lymphedema is a rare but known complication of psoriatic arthritis and other inflammatory arthritides. Only a few cases associated with psoriatic arthritis have been reported, but none showed psoriasis was the sole factor. The precise etiology is, as yet, unknown, but many different mechanisms are likely to cause lymphedema in psoriatic arthritis, such as lymphatic vascular damage and perilymphatic accumulation of inflammatory material. Various immunosuppressive drugs have been assessed in treating this condition. Here, we report the case of an 85-year-old man with psoriasis presenting with a rare complication of bilateral lymphedema in the lower extremities. Lymphedema as well as psoriasis improved with cyclosporine.

Keyword

Lymphedema, arthritis; Psoriatic; Psoriasis; Cyclosporine

MeSH Terms

Aged, 80 and over
Arthritis
Arthritis, Psoriatic
Cyclosporine
Humans
Lower Extremity
Lymphedema*
Psoriasis*
Cyclosporine