Resource overutilization in the diagnosis of lymphedema praecox.

Purpose: Primary lymphedema presenting in adolescence is known as lymphedema praecox. Older children presenting with leg swelling are often subjected to a myriad of diagnostic tests. The purpose of this study is to review a large-cohort of patients with lymphedema praecox to determine the fiscal impact of diagnostic testing on these patients.

Methods: A 13-year review was performed of patients with lymphedema praecox. Information was obtained on demographic parameters, diagnostic studies performed, and clinical outcomes.

Results: Forty-nine patients were identified. The median age was 14 (range: 7-21) years. Participants were predominantly female (n = 40, 81.6%). 19 patients had bilateral disease and 30 had unilateral disease. The diagnosis was made on clinical exam only in 14 patients. 35 patients had imaging which consisted of plain X rays, Doppler ultrasound (DUS), lymphoscintigraphy (LSG) or MRI as the sole imaging study (n = 28) or in combination with others (n = 7). The charges for plain X-rays, DUS, LSG, and MRI with contrast were $335, $1715, $1269, and $6006 respectively.

Conclusion: We believe that in the adolescent female with physical findings consistent with lymphedema praecox, diagnostic imaging should be limited to a Doppler ultrasound to rule out a secondary cause of the swelling.

Level Of Evidence: IV TYPE OF EVIDENCE: Case series with no comparison group.