[Physiopathology of lymphedema (author's transl)].

On the vast and still unclear problem of lymphedema, the author stresses the major role played by the permeability of the blood vessel wall to proteins, with accumulation of these in the interstitial space. The walls of capillaries are not semi-permeable. There is a passage of proteins even under normal conditions. Increased during inflammatory process, it determines the accumulation of protein molecules in the interstitial space. The increased passage of protein into the interstitial space during a temporary process is often the causative factor in lymphedema. All situations which interfere with the drainage of these substances by the lymphatic system maintains the edema and leads to a passage to chronicity.