Differential Diagnosis of Edema (Lipedema, Phlebolymphedema & Other Edemas) Flashcards

A positive Stemmer sign is defined as what?

Answer: Inability to pinch and lift the skin fold at the base of the second toe or finger

Inability to lift the dorsal skin fold indicates lymphedema-related thickening.

Which foot change is typical of lymphedema but not of lipedema?

Answer: Squared toes and a dorsal 'buffalo hump'

Lymphedema involves the foot, producing squared toes and dorsal swelling.

In ISL staging, which stage has pitting that does not fully reduce with elevation and begins to show fibrosis?

Answer: Stage II

Stage II shows spontaneously irreversible swelling with tissue fibrosis.

Lymphostatic elephantiasis with acanthosis, papillomas and trophic skin changes corresponds to which ISL stage?

Answer: Stage III

Stage III is the most severe, with elephantiasis and skin changes.

Which imaging test is commonly used to assess lymphatic function directly?

Answer: Lymphoscintigraphy or ICG lymphography

Lymphoscintigraphy and ICG lymphography visualize lymph flow and transport.

Which finding in long-standing chronic lymphedema should prompt urgent physician referral for possible lymphangiosarcoma?

Answer: New purple-blue or reddish nodules on the limb

Stewart-Treves syndrome presents as bluish-red nodules or macules in chronically lymphedematous limbs.

Which statement about pitting is generally true?

Answer: Lipedema typically does not pit, whereas early lymphedema and venous edema do

Lipedema tissue is firm and non-pitting, while early lymphedema and venous edema pit.