IUA-ISVI Consensus for diagnosis guideline of chronic lymphedema of the limbs

The current document is intended to define a consensus on the diagnostic guidelines for patients with lymphedema, based upon literature­based evidence, both clinical and investigative. General diagnostic guidelines include systemic evaluation; assessment of venous function; duplex ultrasonography; and lymphoscintigraphy. Proper diagnosis should allow appropriate clinical and laboratory staging of the disease for the assessment of progression of the condition and its response to treatment. Diagnosis should include an assessment of the infections in the early and latent stages. Lymphedema is assessed by the stage of disease (0­III) and WHO guidelines for International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and Quality of Life issues can be used as a reference for the impact of this complex condition on social, emotional, and physical function. It is the authors’ intent that this document stimulate further inquiry and discussion regarding all aspects of lymphedema diagnosis.