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Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a localized dilatation of the wall of the abdominal aorta (the abdominal portion of the main trunk of the systemic arterial system), which is usually caused by atherosclerosis (plaque formation on the lining of the vessels) or hypertension (high blood pressure). Between 5 and 10 percent of all AAAs are accompanied by inflammation. The symptoms of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (IAAA) are varied, but may include pain and obstruction of adjacent body structures. A case is presented of a 68-year-old man who was diagnosed with IAAA; his first symptom was swelling of both lower extremities. This swelling had been progressive over a six-month period. Various diagnostic studies included a venogram (imaging of the vein using contrast) which showed bilateral iliac vein occlusion and obstruction of the vena cava (large vein that returns blood to the heart) from external compression. An abdominal computed tomographic scan and venogram showed the IAAA to be compressing the vena cava. The patient underwent surgical repair of the aneurysm and at surgery a thick-walled aneurysm with dense fibrotic reaction extending to the adjacent tissues was discovered. These findings were consistent with IAAA. The patient experienced a good recovery and the leg edema disappeared. Follow-up examinations were normal one year after surgery. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Lymphoedema is often misdiagnosed, but pharmacists could put this right Knowledge of lymphoedema in the community is sadly lacking, leading to misdiagnosis and the wrong treatment being prescribed. Properly trained [...]

The causes of lymphedema, characterized by an abnormal accumulation of high-protein concentrated fluid, usually in the arms and legs are described along with the points, which will help the ways to recognize it. It is revealed that lymphedema development passes through four stages and chronic lymphedema can not be totally eradicated but can be reversed, so the treatment focuses on managing and controlling the edema.

As a young, hospital-based physical therapist in the early 1970s, I vividly recall a middle-aged patient who had undergone a radical mastectomy for treatment of breast cancer. Her chest was [...]

ABC of arterial and venous disease Lymph conducting pathways may become reduced in number, obliterated, obstructed, or dysfunctional (because of failure of contractility or valve incompetence). A lack of sensitive [...]

Tamoxifen, herceptin and xeloda are among the newest medications that either reduce the size of tumors or help to prevent recurrence of malignant cancerous cells. Breast cancer patients have benefitted from these drugs and hope further research will help to reduce the need for radiation or chemotherapy.

There can be many different explanations that may account for the swelling of one leg and not the other; two possible causes include deep vein thrombosis (an abnormal condition in which clotting elements and cell debris accumulate and attach to a point on the interior wall of the vein) and external compression. A case is presented of a 41-year-old woman who was examined after a four-week history of swelling of the left leg. Measurements taken of both legs revealed the left lower leg was about half an inch larger in circumference than the right leg. Study of the venous system suggested that there was deep vein thrombosis, and incomplete compression of the superficial femoral vein was also noted. Venogram (X-ray study of the vein using radio-opaque dye) did not show venous clots, but the findings were suggestive of external compression. Computed tomographic scanning revealed a cystic mass that was displacing the femoral vein. The patient underwent surgery in the groin area and a cystic mass was removed. The mass was identified as a ganglion cyst, a cystic mass that usually occurs in the wrist, ankle, or knee, but may develop in any joint. This ganglion was located in such a way that it reduced the blood flow through the femoral vein and caused signs and symptoms that mimicked venous thrombosis. After surgery, the patient was relieved of her symptoms and normal venous flow was restored. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)