Lipo-lymphoedema and idiopathic cyclic oedema

Abstract

The case of a 56-year-old patient suffering from morbid obesity associated with lymphoedema of the lower limbs is reported. A clinical diagnosis of idiopathic cyclic oedema and stage II lipo-lymphoedema was made, characterized by hardened oedema which was irreversible during resting, and the presence of varicosities in the lower medial third of the limbs. The limb circumferences were measured. Lymphatic drainage was chosen as treatment for 15 days, which led to a reduction in the circumference of the limb. After this, the patient missed treatment for about 15 days and again presented with an increase of the oedema, but this increase improved with rest. An Unna boot was chosen due to the difficulty of using contention stockings or bandages. The association of the Unna boot accelerated the reduction of the oedema.
In conclusion, the differentiation between lipoedema and lipo-lymphoedema is difficult, so a successful treatment was achieved with the association of several therapies, including the use of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.