LYMPHANGIIT

Lymphangitis - inflammation of the lymphatic vessels. Acute lymphangitis often occurs as a complication of purulent-inflammatory diseases of the extremities (infected wounds and abrasions, furuncles , panaricium , phlegmon , etc.).

There are two forms of lymphangitis: reticular (reticular), i.e., inflammation of many small lymphatic vessels, and trunk (stem) - inflammation of one or more larger vessels. When reticular lymphangitis in the area of ​​the focus of infection (furuncle, abrasion, etc.) there is a bright red - solid or spotted (marble). In contrast to erysipelas, it does not have sharp boundaries. Ternary lymphangitis is characterized by narrow red bands coming from the focus of infection towards the regional lymph nodes. In the course of these bands, a painful compaction is sometimes felt in the form of a cord or rosary. Patients with fever, in severe cases with chills, weak pain (burning sensation ). Almost always the regional lymph nodes increase, which is associated with the development of acute lymphadenitis. In the unfavorable course of the process, suppuration occurs with the formation of several abscesses or subcutaneous phlegmon along the vessel. In severely severe cases, sepsis is possible.

Trunkular lymphangitis (especially on the tibia) should be differentiated with superficial thrombophlebitis (at the last, the compaction along the vein is more pronounced and appears earlier than the redness of the skin). Treatment consists in the elimination of the primary focus (opening and draining abscess or phlegmon), carrying out antibacterial and detoxification therapy, mandatory immobilization of the affected limb. Chronic lymphangitis may be associated with erysipelatous inflammation, varicose ulcers of the leg or has a tuberculous etiology. It leads to significant violations of the outflow of lymph, the formation of persistent edema, sometimes to elephantiasis. A patient with signs of chronic lymphatic stasis should be referred to a surgeon.