[Erysipelas and lymphedema--egg or hen?].

The initial lymphatics and peripheral lymph-collectors of both legs of 16 patients were visualized by means of indirect lymphography, after the patients had undergone a rash of erysipelas on their lower extremities. 14 out of 19 legs showed clinical signs of lymphedema after one or several erysipelas. In 16 out of 19 legs after erysipelas, but also in 6 out of 11 healthy contralateral extremities, we found pathological initial lymphatics and changes in size, irregularities of the course, and pathological stops of peripheral lymph-collectors. These findings indicate that in the majority of the patients with erysipelas--contrary to the common opinion--resulting lymphedema should not be termed as secondary. In fact, they are primary lymphedemas deteriorated by erysipelas, with the typical pathological findings in indirect lymphography, as they are seen in simple primary forms.