Lymphedema: Diagnostic Tests

The diagnosis of lymphedema is made clinically using basic diagnostics (history, inspection, and palpation). Optional medical device diagnostics-depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters-are used for differential diagnosis.

  • Sonography (ultrasound examination) of the affected body region – to assess tissue changes.
  • Isotope lymphography – shows the functional status of the lymphatic vascular system.
  • Magnetic resonance lymphangiography – to visualize the lymphatic vessels with the help of contrast medium.
  • Indirect lymphography – imaging of a specific segment; implementation only possible off label.
  • Fluorescence microlymphography (using fluorescence microlymphography, the initial skin lymphatic vessels can be visualized in a minimally invasive way and their function can be analyzed) – to determine the morphology of the lymphatic capillaries.
  • Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – to exclude tumor disease.
  • Ultrasound Doppler, duplex sonography, digital photopletysmography – for suspected diseases of veins / arteries.
  • Determination of nerve conduction velocity, electromyography (EMG) – when neurological diseases are suspected.