Characteristic Computed Tomography Findings in Female Patients with Secondary Genital Lymphedema.

Abstract

Background: Female genital lymphedema (FGL) is a challenging disease, and appropriate preoperative evaluation is crucial before surgical treatments. Computed tomography (CT) is expected useful for FGL evaluation, but little is known. This study aimed to clarify characteristic CT findings of FGL with a case report of CT findings-guided lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA). Methods: Medical charts of secondary lower extremity lymphedema patients who underwent CT and indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography were reviewed. Genital regions with dermal backflow patterns on ICG lymphography were diagnosed as FGL. Prevalence of characteristic CT findings of lymphedema was compared between genitalia regions with and without FGL. A case of genital lymphedema treated with LVA under the guidance of CT findings was presented. Results: A total of 51 patients (32 with FGL, and 19 without FGL) were included in this study. Genital ICG included stages 0/I/II/III/IV/V in 19 (37.3%)/5 (9.8%)/11 (21.6%)/9 (17.6%)/7 (13.7%)/0 (0%) cases, respectively. Characteristic CT findings included thick skin in 14 (27.5%), thick fascia in 17 (33.3%), high density of the superficial fat in 11 (21.6%), high density of the deep fat in 13 (25.5%), fluid collection in 8 (15.7%), detectable inguinal lymph node in 42 (82.4%), and honeycomb appearance in 7 regions (13.7%). Between genital regions with and without FGL, there were statistically significant differences in all the characteristic CT findings (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Characteristic CT findings of secondary FGL were identified. Preoperative CT evaluation may be useful for selecting appropriate LVA sites for optimal results.