Lymphoscintigraphic evaluation in patients after erysipelas.

Erysipelas (cellulitis/lymphangitis) is a superficial cutaneous infection spread by thelymphatic system which may result in permanent injury to the lymphatic vessels. The studyevaluated the lymphatic drainage in the lower limbs of 30 patients with at least two episodes oferisipelas by means of lymphoscintigraphy.Twenty-two (73%) were female and 8 (27%) were male with ages ranging from 26 to 77 years(mean 52 years). Lymphoscintigraphy was performed by intradermal administration of 500:Ci (20Mbq) of 99mTc antimony sulfur-colloid in two interdigital spaces of the feet. Whole body scintigraphywas performed 45 minutes after the administration of the radiopharmaceutical using a computerizedgamma camera. Significant lymphatic abnormalities were found in 23 (77%) of these patients.We conclude that most patients with repeated erysipelas have significant and even permanentabnormalities in regional lymphatic drainage. Recurrent erysipelas suggests underlying primary orsecondary lymphedema