Transaxial computer tomography of lower extremity lymphedema

We examined retrospectively II patients with isolated unilateral lower limb lymphedema (clinical criteria confirmed by isotope lymphography) using com puter tomography. In conjunction with earlier observations, the findings of soft tissue stranding, skin thickening, fat deposition in the epifascial c ompartment and perimuscular fascial thickening and edema relate to lymph st asis. This noninvasive and relatively simple imaging technique allows analy sis of soft tissue changes in leg lymphedema and can be used to evaluate ly mphatic insufficiency and its extent as well as document the response to tr eatment.