Lymphatic research and biology最新文献

{"title":"Lymphedema and Alzheimer's Disease: Connecting Through the \"Peripheral-Central Lymphatic System\".","authors":"Xinxin Wang, Yilan Li, Jianping Ye, HongKai Lian, Teng Li, Jingxin Wang","doi":"10.1177/15578585261471251","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15578585261471251","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The connection between the peripheral lymphatic system (PLS) and the central lymphatic system (CLS) plays a crucial role for the overall circulatory system. Notably, there are several similarities between lymphedema and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Accumulating evidence suggests that lymphedema might be associated with AD, potentially influencing its progression through mechanisms related to the peripheral-central lymphatic circulation. This review summarizes the lymphatic system's structure, function, and drainage pathways, emphasizing how aging and blockage of the CLS can exacerbate the progression of AD. Additionally, we discuss the relationship between lymphedema and AD, highlighting the significance of the PLS-CLS and exploring lymphaticovenous anastomosis as a promising treatment for both lymphedema and AD.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"239-247"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148673762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Novel Ultrasound Technique for Assessing Fibrosis in Subcutaneous Fat in Lymphedematous Limbs.","authors":"Hisako Hara, Makoto Mihara","doi":"10.1177/15578585261477183","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15578585261477183","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is no standardized method for identifying fibrosis in the subcutaneous tissue of lymphedematous limbs. This study evaluated the relationship between ultrasonographic findings and fibrosis severity in patients with lower limb lymphedema.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis included 92 sites in 40 limbs of 26 female patients undergoing lymphaticovenous anastomosis. Skin thickness and subcutaneous echogenicity were assessed preoperatively using an 18-MHz linear ultrasound probe and classified into four grades (U0-U3). Fibrosis severity was evaluated intraoperatively and classified into five grades (F0-F4). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined the diagnostic accuracy of skin thickness for predicting severe fibrosis (F3/F4), and a regression model was developed to predict fibrosis severity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Skin thickness was significantly greater in the calves (2.7 mm) than in the thighs (2.1 mm, <i>p</i> < 0.01) and increased with lymphedema stage. Fibrosis severity was higher above the superficial fascia and more prevalent in calves (<i>p</i> < 0.01). ROC analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.80 for calf (above the superficial fascia), with a cutoff of 2.65 mm. The regression model (<i>R</i>² = 0.51, <i>p</i> < 0.001) demonstrated that skin thickness and fat echogenicity significantly predicted fibrosis severity: Fibrosis severity = 0.21 + 0.32 × skin thickness (mm) + 0.45 × fat echogenicity grade.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Ultrasound-based measurements of skin thickness and fat echogenicity are reliable and noninvasive predictors of fibrosis severity in patients with lymphedema. These findings support the use of ultrasound imaging to guide treatment planning and improve surgical outcomes. However, further validation is needed in diverse populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"233-238"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148697471","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Responsiveness of Ultrasonographic Subcutaneous Tissue Parameters to Complex Decongestive Therapy in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema.","authors":"Esra Giray, Esra Nur Türkmen, İlker Yağcı, Gülseren Akyüz","doi":"10.1177/15578585261473403","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15578585261473403","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ultrasonographic subcutaneous tissue parameters have previously been used as outcome measures in the evaluation of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). However, their ability to detect clinically meaningful changes-referred to as responsiveness-has not yet been examined. This study aimed to investigate the responsiveness of ultrasonographic subcutaneous tissue thickness measurements, subcutaneous echogenicity (SEG), and subcutaneous echo-free space (SEFS) changes.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>Forty patients with International Society of Lymphology Stage 2-3 unilateral lymphedema underwent phase 1 complex decongestive therapy three times weekly for 4 weeks. Ultrasonographic subcutaneous tissue thickness, SEG, and SEFS, alongside circumferential measurements, limb volume, and visual analog scale scores for pain, heaviness, and tightness, were evaluated pre- and posttreatment. Significant symptomatic improvement was observed (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). Edema volume and percentage decreased significantly (<i>p</i> = 0.012 and <i>p</i> = 0.006). Subcutaneous tissue thickness significantly decreased at the upper arm medial, medial epicondyle, and wrist (<i>p</i> < 0.02), demonstrating the highest responsiveness (effect size = 1.74). In contrast, changes in SEG and SEFS were statistically significant only at limited sites and showed small to negligible responsiveness overall; however, SEFS showed comparatively higher responsiveness at the wrist, the site with the greatest baseline free-fluid accumulation. Circumferential and volumetric measures showed low responsiveness.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Subcutaneous tissue thickness was the most sensitive ultrasonographic marker in BCRL, followed by symptom scores. SEG and SEFS showed limited overall responsiveness, although SEFS remained meaningful at the wrist. Edema volume and percentage showed greater responsiveness than overall limb volume and circumferential measurements. Integrating subcutaneous thickness with edema-specific and symptom assessment may enhance monitoring of therapeutic outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"257-265"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148673694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring Lower Limb Volume Estimation: Application and Evaluation of Limb Volume Equations with Ideal Circumferential Measurement Intervals.","authors":"Wen-Han Huang, Min-Lan Lin, Tong-Yu Liu","doi":"10.1177/15578585261473404","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15578585261473404","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Accurate limb volume measurement is essential for the early detection and continuous monitoring of lower limb lymphedema. We aim to validate the applicability of existing upper limb volume formulas for lower limb volume measurement and to determine the optimal interval for such measurements.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>Eighty-seven patients who underwent whole lower limb computed tomography (CT) scans due to lower limb edema were enrolled. The volume of the lower limbs was examined using the CT method and the formula method. The measurement range extended from a horizontal line 8 cm below the inferior border of the pubic symphysis to a line 5 cm above the medial malleolus. Differences and consistency between the two methods were compared to identify the optimal measurement interval. There were statistical differences between the formula and CT-calculated volumes at different measurement intervals, with the smallest difference at an interval of 5 cm (<i>Z</i> = -4.664, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Also, good consistency and correlation were shown at 5 cm (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.971, <i>r</i> = 0.993, <i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of applying upper limb volume formulas to lower limb volume measurement. From a clinical perspective, we recommend a measurement interval of 5 cm as the optimal choice.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"248-256"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148808718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mouse Tail Models for Surgical Lymphedema Induction-A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Quality Assessment.","authors":"Lionesa Bahtiri, Amar Bucan, Martin Frendø, Celine Remvig, Lisbet Rosenkrantz Hölmich","doi":"10.1177/15578585261497922","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585261497922","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lymphedema remains a significant clinical and research challenge, requiring reliable experimental models to investigate its underlying mechanisms and evaluate potential therapies. Among available options, the surgical mouse tail model is widely used due to its simplicity, reproducibility, and low cost. While prior reviews have examined surgical lymphedema models across species, this is the first systematic review dedicated exclusively to the mouse tail model, providing a comprehensive evaluation of its application in practice and a formal assessment of its methodological reporting quality. We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, searching four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus) from inception to January 2025. Studies claiming to surgically induce lymphedema in the mouse tail were included. We defined lymphedema as a significant volume difference. Reporting quality was assessed using the Animals in Research Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE 2.0) guidelines. The review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis and Statistical Analyses and Methods in the Published Literature guidelines. One hundred five studies were included; 65% (68/105) successfully induced lymphedema. Four main models were identified. The median follow-up period was 35 days, and the median peak of swelling was 14 days. Adverse events such as tail ischemia were reported in 15 studies. Notably, 51% of studies (54/105) lacked controls. The mean reporting quality coefficient was 0.61, corresponding to \"average\" quality. The surgical mouse tail model is valuable for studying lymphatic pathophysiology but limited by inconsistent methods and reporting. Drawing on 105 studies and a formal multiframework quality assessment, this review identifies six key areas for improvement: (1) standardized induction protocols, (2) validated and consistently reported outcome measures, (3) control-group design, (4) defined minimum follow-up durations, (5) transparent adverse event reporting, and (6) mandatory adherence to ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578585261497922"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149228107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Visualization of Collateral Lymphatic Pathways After Axillary Node Dissection in Rats Using Real-Time Fluorescent Lymphography.","authors":"Yukari Takeno, Hiromi Arita, Chika Oshima, Ayana Mawaki, Keisuke Nakanishi, Fumiya Hisano, Shiori Niwa, Etsuko Fujimoto","doi":"10.1177/15578585261497919","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585261497919","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is commonly used to alleviate upper limb lymphedema; however, objective evidence regarding its physiological efficacy remains limited.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study aimed to visualize postoperative changes in lymphatic flow and to identify potential collateral drainage pathways following axillary lymph node (LN) dissection using real-time fluorescent lymphography in a rat model. Twelve Wistar rats underwent surgical excision of the right axillary LNs with careful ligation of lymphatic vessels. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography was performed at multiple time points from day 3 to week 24 postoperatively using a photodynamic eye (PDE) imaging system.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Prior to surgery, linear lymphatic signals were observed in the forelimbs. Following the surgery, these signals disappeared and were replaced by diffuse dermal backflow patterns. Over time, network-like signals developed in the axilla and progressed into linear patterns, extending toward the ipsilateral cervical region. In six of the 12 rats, the signals also reached the contralateral axillary fossa via the transverse thoracic pathways. Dermal backflow signs persisted throughout the study period despite the emergence of collateral flow.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings suggest that a collateral pathway to the ipsilateral cervical region may support interstitial fluid drainage in the absence of axillary lymphatic vessels. This study provides foundational insights into lymphatic rerouting mechanisms and may contribute to the future evaluation of MLD efficacy using functional imaging.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578585261497919"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149224414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chronic Lower Limb Edema in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Prevalence, Cause and Impact.","authors":"Vaughan Keeley, Lorraine Pinnington, Katie Riches, Michael Jones, Apostolos Fakis, Margaret Phillips, Christine Moffatt","doi":"10.1177/15578585261496094","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585261496094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic lower limb edema (CLLE) is a feature of advanced multiple sclerosis (MS) but its prevalence and causative factors are not clearly established. The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence and possible causative factors of CLLE in people with MS, and to examine the impact of CLLE on participants' quality of life.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>The prevalence of CLLE was determined by questionnaire (i.e., self-reported) and by clinical examination. Possible causative factors were recorded including level of disability using Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the impact on participants' quality of life was assessed using LYMQOL. The self-reported prevalence of CLLE was 42.4% (101/238). The prevalence determined by clinical assessment was 61.9% (99/160). Possible causative factors were shown to include age, reduced mobility, and vasomotor autonomic dysfunction. In the multivariate analysis, only EDSS was statistically significant (<i>p</i> = 0.002) with an incidence rate ratio (sd) of 2.1 (0.52). In those with CLLE, scores in the function, appearance, and symptom domains of LYMQOL demonstrated a poorer quality of life. There was a higher incidence of cellulitis in those with CLLE (14% compared with 2%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CLLE is a common problem is people with MS but may not always be recognized by patients. It can impact a person's quality of life and poses a risk of cellulitis. Improved recognition and treatment of CLLE should improve the quality of life of people with MS.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578585261496094"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149224408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version of the LYMPH-Q Upper Extremity Module with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Patients: Validity, Reliability, and Responsiveness.","authors":"Sukriye Cansu Gultekin, Zeynep Gulsum Guc, Faruk Recep Ozalp, Merve Keskinkilic, Tugba Yavuzsen, Didem Karadibak","doi":"10.1177/15578585261497854","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585261497854","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although several patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) exist to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), most lack sufficient patient input. The LYMPH-Q Upper Extremity (UE) module was developed to address this gap, providing a comprehensive assessment of BCRL from the patient's perspective. The aim of this study was to adapt LYMPH-Q Upper UE module into Turkish and to evaluate its psychometric properties in patients with BCRL.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>A total of 91 women with unilateral BCRL were included in the present study. Reliability analyses using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Convergent validity was assessed using upper Limb Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire (ULL-27), Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire-Arm (LYMQOL-Arm) and Short Form 36-item Health Survey Instrument (SF-36). Responsiveness was assessed by changes in LYMPH-Q UE module domains to complex decongestive therapy (CDT). The LYMPH-Q UE module showed strong internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.850 to 0.956 and ICC values between 0.80 and 0.94, indicating good to excellent reproducibility. Convergent validity was confirmed with poor to strong correlations (r = -0.308 to -0.871) between the LYMPH-Q UE module and ULL-27 and LYMQOL-Arm. The responsiveness of the LYMPH-Q UE module to CDT showed significant improvements in symptoms (<i>p</i> < 0.001, d = 1.90), function (<i>p</i> < 0.001, d = 1.27), appearance (<i>p</i> = 0.001, d = 1.10), psychological (<i>p</i> < 0.001, d = 0.68), and knowledge (<i>p</i> < 0.001, d = 2.80), except for the arm sleeve domain (<i>p</i> = 0.792, d = 0.10).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The Turkish LYMPH-Q UE module has adequate psychometric properties to assess HRQoL in BCRL patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578585261497854"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149171066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk Factors and Impact of Chylous Leak after Laparoscopic Surgery for Gynecological Malignancies.","authors":"Ya Liu, Ping Zhang, Lin Zhu, Yafen Wang, Hui Xu, Demei Ma, Xinchao Deng","doi":"10.1177/15578585261497879","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585261497879","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The primary aim of this retrospective cohort study was to explore the incidence and independent risk factors of chylous leak after laparoscopic surgery for gynecological malignancies. The secondary aims included quantifying the adverse clinical impacts of chylous leakage on postoperative recovery indicators, summarizing standardized conservative treatment regimens and curative effects of chylous leak patients, and providing intraoperative preventive suggestions for clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data on 495 patients who underwent surgery for gynecologic malignancies in the Department of Gynecology, the Second Hospital of Shandong University from January 2018 to April 2022 were collected. The risk factors related to the occurrence of chylous leak were then analyzed statistically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 394 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery and were divided into 2 groups according to the occurrence of chylous leak after surgery: 19 patients were in the case group, and 375 patients were in the control group. The incidence of chylous leak in this study was 4.82%. Univariate analysis showed preoperative anemia (<i>p</i> < 0.05, <i>p</i> = 0.01) and enlarged lymph nodes (<i>p</i> < 0.05, <i>p</i> = 0.008) as risk factors for chylous leak. Statistical analysis of postoperative factors between the two groups showed significantly increased length of hospitalization (<i>p</i> < 0.05, <i>p</i> ＝ 0.001) and hospitalization costs (<i>p</i> < 0.05, <i>p</i> = 0.003), postoperative maximum temperature (<i>p</i> < 0.001) maximum drain output (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and drainage tube days (<i>p</i> < 0.001) in the case group compared with the control group. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative anemia (OR = 3.111, 95% CI = 1.081-8.953) was the risk factor for chylous leak.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The occurrence of chylous leak after laparoscopic surgery for gynecological malignancies leads to prolonged hospital stay, increased medical costs. The possibility of chylous leak occurring after laparoscopic surgery for gynecological malignancies with preoperative anemia is high.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578585261497879"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149164604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lymphedema Adaptive Clothing Exploration: A Scoping Review of Clothing Challenges for People Living with Lymphedema.","authors":"Elizabeth A Anderson, Naomi M Dolgoy, Kerri McBee-Black","doi":"10.1177/15578585261486340","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585261486340","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lymphedema consists of swelling that impedes movement and compromises quality of life. It is estimated that 250 million people worldwide have a diagnosis of lymphedema. People living with lymphedema often have difficulty sourcing everyday clothing that fits over compression garments and swollen limbs. A scoping review was conducted to gain deeper insight into the current state of the literature addressing lymphedema-specific clothing issues and identifying knowledge gaps.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>The five-stage Arksey and O'Malley framework guided the review process. Five electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) were searched for articles written in English from 2004 to 2024. Ten studies addressing lymphedema clothing issues were included in the analysis. Articles varied widely across disciplines, publication dates, and journals. Common themes of clothing function challenges, aesthetic considerations, social/cultural stigma related to clothing, and textile development (sensors) were identified. Children and women were noted to have significant issues sourcing aesthetically acceptable footwear and are often impacted by cultural stigma. Activity restriction (e.g., ill-fitting clothing) negatively impacted the quality of life. Self-esteem can be compromised by social stigma from a swollen limb and inability to wear appropriate clothing. Uniqueness of human anatomy and presenting lymphedema symptoms challenges the development of effective textile sensors.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The dearth of available literature (10 studies) highlights the critical need to address clothing issues in this population through collaborative research initiatives. Preferences and needs should be solicited and thoughtfully integrated into the development of lymphedema-appropriate clothing to maximize the quality of life and support lymphedema self-management.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578585261486340"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149017292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}