Near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging in a patient treated for venous occlusion

Abstract

Although lower extremity edema/lymphedema can result from venous or lymphatic abnormalities, effective treatment depends on understanding their relative contributions to the condition. Herein we use near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging in a 16-year-old girl diagnosed with unilateral lymphedema of the right leg and previously treated with left iliac vein stenting in an attempt to alleviate lymphedema. The imaging shows that abnormal lymphatic anatomy, rather than venous occlusion, was likely responsible for unilateral swelling.