Imaging

in Lymphedema

Applied

Type

Addition

Confidence

85%

Created

Mar 26, 2026

Evidence

1 source

Rationale

The section was expanded to provide a more comprehensive overview of imaging modalities for lymphedema, incorporating findings from a 2024 scoping review. This includes adding ultrasonography and lymphoscintigraphy, which are standard clinical tools not previously mentioned in this section, and clarifying the specific roles of CT and MRI in the diagnostic workup.

Content Changes

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Computed tomography (CT) has a limited role in lymphedema characterization but may help exclude alternative diagnoses such as [[deep vein thrombosis (DVT)]].(DVT)]] or underlying malignancy [@markarian2024]. The characteristic honeycomb appearance of lymphedematous tissue is more consistently demonstrated on MRI.magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which provides detailed structural information regarding subcutaneous changes [@markarian2024]. Additionally, ultrasonography (US) is often used to evaluate skin thickness and exclude venous pathology, while lymphoscintigraphy remains the clinical gold standard for the functional assessment of lymphatic transport [@markarian2024].