Structural and ultrastructural changes of lymph nodes in primary lymphoedema.

Optical and electronmicroscopic investigations of the inguino-iliac lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels of the lower limb suggested a pathogenic role of lymph node structural alterations in primary lymphoedema. Most of the investigated lymph nodes showed an extensive fibrosis frequently associated with lipomatosis ectasy of medullary sinuses, a.o., estimated as primary lesions appearing on a genetically propensic ground or by developmental anomalies. Alteration of the lymphatic vessel intima, proliferation, muscle hypertrophy, subintimal fibrohyalinosis, a.o., occurred in consequence of the impeded lymphatic drainage by the primary lymph node fibrosis.