Lymph nodes and vessels in primary lymphoedema. Their relative importance in aetiology.

The classification of lymphoedemas is reviewed and the various primary lymphoedemas distinguished from the secondary. The early lymphographic studies of primary lymphoedemas (many of which arise from genetic factors) probably laid undue emphasis on changes in the lymphatic vessels. Oil contrast media in leter use in lymphography have given much information onchanges in the nodes. In 89% of patients reviewed both nodes and vessels were diseased and in the majority the changes were worse in the nodes. This suggests that in many patients with primary hypoplastic lymphoedema the pathological process has arisen first in the nodes.