PAULA J. STEWART, MD, CLT-LANA
After a brief discussion of Lymphatic Anatomy, the concept of Primary Lymphedema and its
incidence will be introduced with examples of syndromes that are associated with Primary Lymphedema.
Secondary lymphedema and its causes in the U.S. will then be presented with examples of
case histories that are typical of Secondary Lymphedema.
There will be a brief discussion of world-wide incidences of filarial disease and then outside
the U.S. filarial lymphedema is epidemic.
Following these discussions, there will be a brief introduction of the concept of mixed edemas
and common etiologies of mixed edema; such as Phlebolymphedema, Lipolymphedema, and Phlebo-Lipo
Lymphedema. With the fundamentals of lymphedema addressed, the lecture will then cover those clinical
entities that can be confused with lymphedema, means by which they can be differentiated, and treatment
options for them. Examples of these look-a-likes include mixed edema, CHF, DVT, and artificial lymphedema.
There will be a special emphasis on those conditions which should not be treat by therapists without close
medical oversight, due to dangers associated with treatment, for example, acute DVT, cellulitis, active
cancer, and congestive heart failure. Treatment options will be briefly addressed during the lecture