DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS OF THE LYMPHATIC-SYSTEM

Approximately 67% of human conceptuses die prenatally. Of these, a sig nificant number involve a disorder of the lymphatic system. A small nu mber of live-born children also exhibit congenital lymphatic malformat ions, including an estimated 60% of patients with Turner syndrome. The se observations have prompted a search for the genetic and dysmorpholo gic basis and the different patterns of congenital lymphedema and asso ciated anomalies. In this article, we attempt to summarize available p ertinent information on congenital disorders of the lymphatic system a nd to propose a conceptual overview of lymphatic development.