Abnormal lymph drainage in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers.

BACKGROUND

Edema often occurs in association with venous leg ulcers.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to assess lymphatic function in the legs of patients with venous leg ulcers.

METHODS

Quantitative lymphoscintigraphy was performed in 22 normal control subjects, 32 patients with venous leg ulcers, and 7 patients with varicose veins only.

RESULTS

Lymph drainage declined with age in the normal controls (r = -0.57; p = 0.0001). Lymphatic function was reduced in the ulcerated legs compared with normal limbs (age < 65 years; p < 0.0001) and in edematous legs compared with nonedematous legs (age > 65 years; ulcerated legs, p = 0.016; nonulcerated legs, p = 0.021). Lymph drainage was lower in the legs of patients with varicose veins only (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Impaired lymphatic function is associated with both venous leg ulcers and chronic venous hypertension.