LYMPHATIC FUNCTION IN THE YELLOW NAIL SYNDROME

Peripheral oedema is commonly seen in the yellow nail syndrome (YNS), Contrast lymphangiography has shown abnormal collecting lymphatics in some patients with YNS, In this study, lymphatic function in the upper and lower limbs of 17 patients with YNS, in normal controls, and in p atients with established classical lymphoedema, has been assessed usin g quantitative lymphoscintigraphy, Nine subjects with YNS had swelling of the legs and two had features typical of lymphoedema. The lymphati c drainage was significantly reduced in the legs of patients with YNS but not to the level seen in lymphoedema. Lymphatic function was also reduced in the arms in patients with YNS. Venous insufficiency did not contribute to the leg oedema. These results suggest that the underlyi ng cause of YNS is not primarily a lymphatic abnormality, The lymphati c impairment associated with YNS appears to be secondary, and predomin antly functional in nature, rather than due to structural changes.