Lymphangitis: Causes, Symptoms, And Diagnosis
Write short note on Lymphangitis.
Answer. It is an acute non-suppurative infection and spreading inflammation of lymphatics of skin and subcutaneous tissues due to beta-hemolytic streptococci, staphylococci,clostridial organisms.
“Imaging Techniques For Lymphangitis Diagnosis”
- It is commonly associated with cellulitis.
- Erysipelas is a type of lymphangitis.
- In endemic areas, fiariasis is the most common cause (coastal India). It is caused by Wulchereria Bancroft.
Acute Lymphangitis
“Role Of Streptococcus Bacteria In Lymphangitis“
Lymphangitis Clinical Features
Lymphangitis
- Streaky redness which is spreading is typical.
- On pressure, area blanches; on release redness reappears.
- Edema of the part, palpable tender regional lymph nodes are obvious.
- Fever, tachycardia, features of toxemia.
- Groin lymph nodes are enlarged and tender in lower limb lymphangitis.
- In upper limb, as lymphatics are mainly located on the dorsum of hand, edema and redness develops on the
- dorsum. Infection in the thumb and index finger causes palpable tender axillary nodes; in litte and ring figer
- causes fist tender palpable epitrochlear nodes to appear; infection in middle figer causes fist deltopectoral nodes to enlarge.
- Toxemia, septicamia may occur.
- Rapidity may be more indiabetics and immunosuppressed.
- Chronic lymphangitis occurs due to repeated attacks of acute recurrent lymphangitis leading into acquired lymphedema.
Infectious lymphangitis
“Risk Factors For Developing Lymphangitis“
Lymphangitis Investigations
- Blood cell count
- Platelet count
- Renal and liver function tests
- Peripheral smear and blood culture
Bacterial Lymphangitis
“Red Streaks On The Skin: Is It Lymphangitis?”
Lymphangitis Management
- Antibiotics such as penicillin, cloxacillin.
- Elevation, rest, glycerine magnesium sulpha dressing.
- Management of toxemia or septicemia with critical care.
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