Musculoskeletal CT Appearances

Lymphedema CT Findings

• Honeycombing
• Muscle enlargement
• Cutaneous thickening
• Soft tissue stranding
• Perimuscular fascial thickening
• Differentiation between lymphedema and general edema is not possible on CT

Other Information About Lymphedema

Etiology:

• Malignancy
• Radiation treatment
• Surgery
• Obesity
• Infection, including parasites

Epidemiology:

• Anyone is susceptible to lymphedema

Presentation:

• Swelling of one or more extremities
• Fibrosis
• Decreased range of motion

Prognosis:

• There is no cure for lymphedema but symptoms can be managed
• Surgery may be needed in severe cases