Rheumatological Diseases and Lower Extremity Edema: A Lymphoscintigram Study.

"Lymphedema" is commonly used as a generic term to describe any form of leg swelling; 25% of patients referred to our center with "lymphedema" do not have the condition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lymphatic function of subjects with rheumatologic disease. Five individuals with a rheumatologic disease and leg edema underwent a lymphoscintigram. All individuals had normal lymphatic function. Patients presenting with lower extremity swelling and a rheumatologic condition do not have lymphedema. The etiology of their leg swelling is by mechanisms other than lymphatic dysfunction.