Aims                                                                                                                                                                                                  
The authors confirm the usefulness of Echo-colour-doppler diagnostics, in patients affected with upper and lower limb lymphoedema.

Description of initiative
The diagnosis of lymphoedema is essentially clinical, however, we must not ignore the usefulness of Echo-colour-Doppler diagnostics, non-invasive and repeatable diagnostic approach, using adequate high linear frequency probe, in lymphological field. The instrument available is provided with the “Siescape panoramic reconstruction” function, a system option allowing the acquisition of bi-dimensional ultrasound images with an extended visualisation field.

Outcome
Echo-Colour-Doppler diagnostics allows us to reach differentiated diagnoses to determine the origin of the upper and lower limbs oedema (deep venous thrombosis, post-thrombotic syndrome, Backer cist with popliteal vein compression, etc.).
It provides important indications on morphological characteristics-vascularisation of lympho-nodes, presence of vascularised neo-formations in oncological patients, subclavian-venous obstacle discharge after oncological surgery, etc.). Furthermore, it allows us to analyse the structural characteristics of oedematous tissue (thickness, echogenicity).
It is also interesting to note how it is possible to observe an increase of the calibre-flow of the superficial and deep veins in the lymphoedematous limb, proof of the venous-lymphatic twinning useful in the case of lymphatic system insufficiency.

Evaluation
Echo-Colour-Doppler diagnostics provides important data which lead to an improvement in lymphoedema management, helping the lymphologist and physiotherapist in the choice of precise strategies and, therefore, the setting up of personalised therapeutic programmes, with subsequent therapeutic optimisation. It also useful for therapeutic monitoring to verify the validity of treatment effectuated and in follow-up.