[Ultrasonic examination in secondary lymphedema of the lower extremities].

The article deals with the results of ultrasonic examination (USE) of 39 patients with secondary edema of the lower extremities. The authors developed a USE method which yields objective data characterizing changes of the structure, thickness, boundaries, and firmness of the soft tissues in lymphedema of the lower extremities of various severity. It was established that lymphostasis produced a characteristic ultrasonic pattern, which, as claimed by the author, may be used in differential diagnosis of lymphatic and venous edema of the extremities.