The International Society of Lymphology proposed a staging system for lymphedema based on its clinical features.
Parameters:
(1) effect of limb elevation on edema
(2) soft tissue changes
Effect of Limb Elevation on Edema
Soft Tissue Changes
Stage
Term
complete resolution
soft with no fibrosis
I
reversible
persistent; may show a temporary decrease
fibrosis present; limb firmer on palpation
II
spontaneously irreversible
no change after prolonged elevation
hard, thick dermis, with pseudopolyps
III
lymphostatic elephantiasis
where:
• The change in limb edema can be monitored by measuring the circumference at a standard point.
• "Spontaneously Irreversible" sounds like something a committee would come up with.
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Purpose: To stage limb lymphedema based on the classification of the International Society of Lymphology.
Objective: severity, prognosis, stage
ICD-10: I89.0, I97.2, Q82.0,
