Lymphedema is a condition in which the lymphatic system is unable to adequately drain fluid from the tissues, leading to persistent swelling, most commonly in an arm or leg. It may result from surgical removal of lymph nodes, radiation therapy, infection, or congenital abnormalities of the lymphatic system. On ultrasound, affected areas may show thickened skin, increased subcutaneous fluid, a characteristic cobblestone pattern in the subcutaneous fat, and dilated lymphatic channels. While lymphedema itself is primarily diagnosed clinically, sonography helps rule out other causes of limb swelling such as deep vein thrombosis and can assess the severity of tissue changes.
Sonography Term