Lymphangitis: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Inflammation or infection of the lymphatic channels}} |
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{{For|the condition in horses|Equine lymphangitis}} |
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Name = Lymphangitis | |
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| name = Lymphangitis |
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| image = CellulitisJmh649.JPG |
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Image = CellulitisJmh649.JPG | |
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| synonyms = Inflamed lymph vessels<ref>{{cite web |title=Lymphangitis : MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia |url=https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007296.htm |website=medlineplus.gov |accessdate=4 June 2019 |language=en}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | '''Lymphangitis''' is an [[inflammation]] or an [[infection]] of the [[lymphatic channel]]s<ref>{{DorlandsDict|five/000061959|Lymphangitis}}</ref> that occurs as a result of infection at a site [[Distal#Proximal and distal|distal]] to the channel. It may present as long red streaks spreading away from the site of infection. It is a possible [[medical emergency]] as involvement of the lymphatic system allows for an infection to spread rapidly. The most common cause of lymphangitis in humans is bacteria, in which case [[sepsis]] and death could result within hours if left untreated. The most commonly involved bacteria include ''[[Streptococcus pyogenes]]'' (Group A strep) and hemolytic streptococci. In some cases, it can be caused by viruses such as mononucleosis or cytomegalovirus, as well as specific conditions such as tuberculosis or syphilis, and the fungus ''[[Sporothrix schenckii]]''.<ref>[http://www.doctorfungus.org/imageban/synonyms/sporothrix.php ''Sporothrix'' spp.] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130414161046/http://www.doctorfungus.org/imageban/synonyms/sporothrix.php |date=2013-04-14 }} Doctor Fungus</ref> Other causes of Lymphangitis could be from Arthropod bites and Iatrogenic causes.<ref>{{Cite journal |pmid=28076265 |date=2016 |last1=Cohen |first1=B. E. |last2=Nagler |first2=A. R. |last3=Pomeranz |first3=M. K. |title=Nonbacterial Causes of Lymphangitis with Streaking |journal=Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine |volume=29 |issue=6 |pages=808–812 |doi=10.3122/jabfm.2016.06.160015 }}</ref> Lymphangitis is sometimes mistakenly called "blood poisoning". In reality, "blood poisoning" is synonymous with ''[[sepsis]]''. |
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Lymphatic vessels are smaller than capillaries and tiny venules and are ubiquitous in the body. These vessels are fitted with valves to direct flow in only one direction. Fluid diffusing through the thin-walled small capillaries should be collected and the lymphatic system does just that: a fluid rich in protein, minerals, nutrients, and other substances useful for tissue growth. As well as essential nutrients, the lymphatic system can also transport or carry cancer cells, defective or damaged cells, and pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, as well as foreign bodies and organisms. The lymph nodes are found in proximity to unique white blood cells that engulf or metabolize pathogens (bacteria and viruses) and defective or cancerous cells, preventing infections and malignant cancer cells from spreading. |
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:''For discussion of the condition in [[horse]]s, see [[Equine Lymphangitis]].'' |
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<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2020-11-02|title=Medically Sound: Awash with Protein-rich Fluid, the Lymphatic System Invites for a Direct Invasion by Microbes|url=https://urmedlife.blogspot.com/2020/11/awash-with-protein-rich-fluid-lymphatic.html|access-date=2020-11-07|website=Medically Sound}}</ref> Infection spreads out of the wound site to enter the lymphatic system. The wound may be small or it may be an abscess constantly feeding bacteria into the lymphatic system. After infection, lymph nodes enlarge. Ear, skin, nose, and eye infections can spread into the lymphatic system. Red streaks in the skin along the direction of regional lymph nodes indicate lymphatic involvement. Infection may spread within hours and can cause [[sepsis]] and death. |
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| ⚫ | '''Lymphangitis''' is an [[inflammation]] or an [[infection]] of the [[lymphatic channel]]s<ref>{{DorlandsDict|five/000061959|Lymphangitis}}</ref> that occurs as a result of infection at a site [[Distal#Proximal and distal|distal]] to the channel. The most common cause of lymphangitis in humans is ''[[Streptococcus pyogenes]]'' (Group A strep) |
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== Symptoms and signs == |
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Signs and symptoms include a deep reddening of the skin, warmth, lymphadenitis (inflammation of a lymphatic gland), and a raised border around the affected area. The person may also have chills and a high fever along with moderate pain and swelling. A person with lymphangitis should be hospitalized and closely monitored by medical professionals.<ref>Prentice, Arnheim's Principles of Athletic Training, 12th edition, pg. 988.</ref> |
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Warm skin over site of infection.<ref name=":0" /> The person may also have chills and a high fever - between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius - along with moderate throbbing pain and swelling. The red streaks can be clearly outlined and demarcated or just barely visible, particularly in dark-skinned patients. Malaise, tenderness at the site of infection, skin ulcers (a rare symptom of lymphangitis), rapid pulse, and enlarged, swollen, and tender lymph nodes are also seen. Appetite loss has been documented with the presence of inflammation (inflammation-associated anorexia),<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Gautron|first1=Laurent|last2=Laye|first2=Sophie|date=2010|title=Neurobiology of inflammation-associated anorexia|journal=Frontiers in Neuroscience|volume=3|pages=3|doi=10.3389/neuro.23.003.2009|issn=1662-453X|pmc=2858622|pmid=20582290|doi-access=free}}</ref> but it is unclear whether appetite loss seen in patients with lymphangitis leads to weight loss; in cases that develop after lymphedema—which can be upwards of 8.14% of the time<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Park|first1=Sae In|last2=Yang|first2=Eun Joo|last3=Kim|first3=Dong Kyu|last4=Jeong|first4=Ho Joong|last5=Kim|first5=Ghi Chan|last6=Sim|first6=Young-Joo|date=2016-04-25|title=Prevalence and Epidemiological Factors Involved in Cellulitis in Korean Patients With Lymphedema|journal=Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine|language=English|volume=40|issue=2|pages=326–333|doi=10.5535/arm.2016.40.2.326|issn=2234-0645|pmc=4855128|pmid=27152284}}</ref>—weight gain has actually been documented.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Mehrara|first1=Babak J.|last2=Greene|first2=Arin K.|date=July 2014|title=Lymphedema and Obesity: Is There a Link?|url=https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2014/07000/Lymphedema_and_Obesity__Is_There_a_Link_.34.aspx|journal=Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery|language=en-US|volume=134|issue=1|pages=154e–160e|doi=10.1097/PRS.0000000000000268|issn=0032-1052|pmc=4393748|pmid=25028830}}</ref> |
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If these symptoms are absent, it is suggestive of other underlying disorders such as [[tuberculosis]], [[lymphoma]], or [[Hodgkin's disease]]. A person with lymphangitis should be hospitalized and closely monitored by medical professionals. In very minor cases, regular application of antibiotic creams and cleanliness of the area can accelerate the healing process with no medical professional intervention or consultation required. <ref>Prentice, Arnheim's Principles of Athletic Training, 12th edition, pg. 988.</ref> When the inferior limbs are affected, the redness of the skin runs over the [[great saphenous vein]] location and can be confused for [[thrombophlebitis]].{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} |
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Lymphangitis is the inflammation of the lymphatic vessels and channels. This is characterized by certain inflammatory conditions of the skin caused by bacterial infections. Thin red lines may be observed running along the course of the lymphatic vessels in the affected area, accompanied by painful enlargement of the nearby [[lymph node]]s. |
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[[File:Lymphangitis after bed bug bites.jpg|thumb|left|Lymphangitis resulting from bed bug bites]] |
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When the inferior limbs are affected, the redness of the skin runs over the [[great saphenous vein]] location and confusion can be made with a [[thrombophlebitis]]. |
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Chronic lymphangitis is a cutaneous condition that is the result of recurrent bouts of acute bacterial lymphangitis.<ref name="Andrews">{{cite book |author1=James, William D. |author2=Berger, Timothy G. |title=Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology |publisher=Saunders Elsevier |year=2006 |isbn=0-7216-2921-0 |display-authors=etal}}</ref>{{rp|261}} |
Chronic lymphangitis is a cutaneous condition that is the result of recurrent bouts of acute bacterial lymphangitis.<ref name="Andrews">{{cite book |author1=James, William D. |author2=Berger, Timothy G. |title=Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology |publisher=Saunders Elsevier |year=2006 |isbn=0-7216-2921-0 |display-authors=etal}}</ref>{{rp|261}} |
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== Diagnosis == |
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To detect and identify infectious agents such as streptococci and staphylococci bacterial strains blood tests and bacteria cultures can be used. Bacteria culture is suitable for identifying infectious agents in cases of severe lymphangitis that do not respond well to treatment. {{citation needed|date=February 2021}} |
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=== Differential Diagnosis === |
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Infectious lymphangitis should be differentiated from other conditions such as superficial thrombophlebitis (swelling is local to the affected vein), cat scratch (swellings feels hard to the touch), acute streptococcal hemolytic gangrene and necrotizing fasciitis (infected area crackles to the touch and the patient looks very ill).{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} |
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== Treatment == |
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Both drug and non-drug based treatment options are available to treat with lymphanginitis. The wound should be treated properly, dead tissues should be removed from the wound site, and pus drained. Applying heat to the affected lymph node using hot, moist compresses, or heating pads. Immobilizing and elevating the affected limb whenever it is possible, and administering analgesics to control pain. {{citation needed|date=February 2021}} |
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<ref name=":0" /> If a local infection is invasive, immediate antibiotic drug therapy is required. Streptococci strains are the most common infectious agents and respond well to cephalosporins – cephalexin at a dose of 0.5 mg for between 7 and 10 days – or extended-spectrum penicillin. Methiciline-resistant staphylococcus aureus is common in communities and hence the need to use improved antibiotic drugs such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 7 to 10 days. Naficillin, oxacillin, and dicloxacillin are also effective against infections of the lymphatic system.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[Chronic lymphangitis]] |
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* [[Lymphadenopathy]] |
* [[Lymphadenopathy]] |
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* [[Lymphangitis carcinomatosa]] |
* [[Lymphangitis carcinomatosa]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
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==External links== |
== External links == |
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{{Medical resources |
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| ICD9 = {{ICD9|457.2}} |
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| ICDO = |
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| OMIM = |
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| DiseasesDB = 29093 |
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| MeshID = D008205 |
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{{Vascular diseases}} |
{{Vascular diseases}} |
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{{Lymphatic disease}} |
{{Lymphatic disease}} |
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{{Bacterial cutaneous infections}} |
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{{Inflammation}} |
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[[Category:Diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes]] |
[[Category:Diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes]] |
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Latest revision as of 00:35, 30 December 2024
| Lymphangitis | |
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| Other names | Inflamed lymph vessels[1] |
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| Forearm lymphangitis due to cellulitis of the hand | |
| Specialty | Angiology  |
Lymphangitis is an inflammation or an infection of the lymphatic channels[2] that occurs as a result of infection at a site distal to the channel. It may present as long red streaks spreading away from the site of infection. It is a possible medical emergency as involvement of the lymphatic system allows for an infection to spread rapidly. The most common cause of lymphangitis in humans is bacteria, in which case sepsis and death could result within hours if left untreated. The most commonly involved bacteria include Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A strep) and hemolytic streptococci. In some cases, it can be caused by viruses such as mononucleosis or cytomegalovirus, as well as specific conditions such as tuberculosis or syphilis, and the fungus Sporothrix schenckii.[3] Other causes of Lymphangitis could be from Arthropod bites and Iatrogenic causes.[4] Lymphangitis is sometimes mistakenly called "blood poisoning". In reality, "blood poisoning" is synonymous with sepsis.
Lymphatic vessels are smaller than capillaries and tiny venules and are ubiquitous in the body. These vessels are fitted with valves to direct flow in only one direction. Fluid diffusing through the thin-walled small capillaries should be collected and the lymphatic system does just that: a fluid rich in protein, minerals, nutrients, and other substances useful for tissue growth. As well as essential nutrients, the lymphatic system can also transport or carry cancer cells, defective or damaged cells, and pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, as well as foreign bodies and organisms. The lymph nodes are found in proximity to unique white blood cells that engulf or metabolize pathogens (bacteria and viruses) and defective or cancerous cells, preventing infections and malignant cancer cells from spreading.
[5] Infection spreads out of the wound site to enter the lymphatic system. The wound may be small or it may be an abscess constantly feeding bacteria into the lymphatic system. After infection, lymph nodes enlarge. Ear, skin, nose, and eye infections can spread into the lymphatic system. Red streaks in the skin along the direction of regional lymph nodes indicate lymphatic involvement. Infection may spread within hours and can cause sepsis and death.
Symptoms and signs
[edit]Warm skin over site of infection.[5] The person may also have chills and a high fever - between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius - along with moderate throbbing pain and swelling. The red streaks can be clearly outlined and demarcated or just barely visible, particularly in dark-skinned patients. Malaise, tenderness at the site of infection, skin ulcers (a rare symptom of lymphangitis), rapid pulse, and enlarged, swollen, and tender lymph nodes are also seen. Appetite loss has been documented with the presence of inflammation (inflammation-associated anorexia),[6] but it is unclear whether appetite loss seen in patients with lymphangitis leads to weight loss; in cases that develop after lymphedema—which can be upwards of 8.14% of the time[7]—weight gain has actually been documented.[8]
If these symptoms are absent, it is suggestive of other underlying disorders such as tuberculosis, lymphoma, or Hodgkin's disease. A person with lymphangitis should be hospitalized and closely monitored by medical professionals. In very minor cases, regular application of antibiotic creams and cleanliness of the area can accelerate the healing process with no medical professional intervention or consultation required. [9] When the inferior limbs are affected, the redness of the skin runs over the great saphenous vein location and can be confused for thrombophlebitis.[citation needed]
Chronic lymphangitis is a cutaneous condition that is the result of recurrent bouts of acute bacterial lymphangitis.[10]: 261
Diagnosis
[edit]To detect and identify infectious agents such as streptococci and staphylococci bacterial strains blood tests and bacteria cultures can be used. Bacteria culture is suitable for identifying infectious agents in cases of severe lymphangitis that do not respond well to treatment. [citation needed]
Differential Diagnosis
[edit]Infectious lymphangitis should be differentiated from other conditions such as superficial thrombophlebitis (swelling is local to the affected vein), cat scratch (swellings feels hard to the touch), acute streptococcal hemolytic gangrene and necrotizing fasciitis (infected area crackles to the touch and the patient looks very ill).[citation needed]
Treatment
[edit]Both drug and non-drug based treatment options are available to treat with lymphanginitis. The wound should be treated properly, dead tissues should be removed from the wound site, and pus drained. Applying heat to the affected lymph node using hot, moist compresses, or heating pads. Immobilizing and elevating the affected limb whenever it is possible, and administering analgesics to control pain. [citation needed]
[5] If a local infection is invasive, immediate antibiotic drug therapy is required. Streptococci strains are the most common infectious agents and respond well to cephalosporins – cephalexin at a dose of 0.5 mg for between 7 and 10 days – or extended-spectrum penicillin. Methiciline-resistant staphylococcus aureus is common in communities and hence the need to use improved antibiotic drugs such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 7 to 10 days. Naficillin, oxacillin, and dicloxacillin are also effective against infections of the lymphatic system.[citation needed]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Lymphangitis : MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". medlineplus.gov. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
- ^ "Lymphangitis" at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
- ^ Sporothrix spp. Archived 2013-04-14 at archive.today Doctor Fungus
- ^ Cohen, B. E.; Nagler, A. R.; Pomeranz, M. K. (2016). "Nonbacterial Causes of Lymphangitis with Streaking". Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. 29 (6): 808–812. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2016.06.160015. PMID 28076265.
- ^ a b c "Medically Sound: Awash with Protein-rich Fluid, the Lymphatic System Invites for a Direct Invasion by Microbes". Medically Sound. 2020-11-02. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
- ^ Gautron, Laurent; Laye, Sophie (2010). "Neurobiology of inflammation-associated anorexia". Frontiers in Neuroscience. 3: 3. doi:10.3389/neuro.23.003.2009. ISSN 1662-453X. PMC 2858622. PMID 20582290.
- ^ Park, Sae In; Yang, Eun Joo; Kim, Dong Kyu; Jeong, Ho Joong; Kim, Ghi Chan; Sim, Young-Joo (2016-04-25). "Prevalence and Epidemiological Factors Involved in Cellulitis in Korean Patients With Lymphedema". Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine. 40 (2): 326–333. doi:10.5535/arm.2016.40.2.326. ISSN 2234-0645. PMC 4855128. PMID 27152284.
- ^ Mehrara, Babak J.; Greene, Arin K. (July 2014). "Lymphedema and Obesity: Is There a Link?". Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 134 (1): 154e – 160e. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000000268. ISSN 0032-1052. PMC 4393748. PMID 25028830.
- ^ Prentice, Arnheim's Principles of Athletic Training, 12th edition, pg. 988.
- ^ James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G.; et al. (2006). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.