[Scintigraphy studies of lymph flow in paralyzed upper extremities].

BACKGROUND

In paralysed limbs quite often edemas are seen, which might pose problems during rehabilitation. The origin of these edemas is not fully understood.

METHODS

48 patients with hemiplegia and edema of the paralysed arm were studied; in 40 patients lymphoscintigraphic studies (static and dynamic lymphography) were performed.

RESULTS

In 80% of these cases lymphatic flow in the paralysed arm was increased compared to the healthy arm. If there was marked edema in the paralysed arm, the increase of lymph flow was considerable (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Edemas in hemiplegic extremities are not due to lymphedema, as in lymphedema the lymph flow usually is very slow. They most likely are caused by disorders of filtration and reabsorption, due to a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.