Primary lymphedema

Primary lymphedema

Primary lymphedema is a form of lymphedema which is not directly attributable to another medical condition.

It can be divided into three forms, depending upon age of onset: congenital lymphedema, lymphedema praecox, and lymphedema tarda.^[1] Congenital lymphedema presents at birth. Lymphedema praecox presents from ages 1 to 35. This type of lymphedema accounts for 77–94% of all cases of primary lymphedema. Lymphedema tarda presents after age 35. This type of lymphedema usually develops as a result of a developmental abnormality being precipitated by some insult such as trauma, illness, or physical immobility. Compared to secondary lymphedema, primary lymphedema is more likely to involve the face, conjunctiva, and genitalia in association with any limbs involved.^[2]

It can be familial.^[3]

References

1. Lymphedema at eMedicine
2. Burkhart CN, Adigun C, Burton CS. Chapter 174. Cutaneous Changes in Peripheral Venous and Lymphatic Insufficiency. In: Wolff K, ed. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 8th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=56081150. Accessed November 3, 2013.
3. Walter Siegenthaler (21 March 2007). Differential diagnosis in internal medicine: from symptom to diagnosis. Thieme. pp. 387–. ISBN 978-1-58890-551-2. Retrieved 20 May 2011.