Evaluation of the Superficial Collecting Lymph Vessels’ Vasa Vasorum in Lymphoedematous Limbs Using Video Capillaroscopy

Matsui, Chihiro and Tsukuura, Reiko and Sakai, Hayahito and Escandón, Joseph M. and Mohammad, Arbab and Yamamoto, Takumi (2024) Evaluation of the Superficial Collecting Lymph Vessels’ Vasa Vasorum in Lymphoedematous Limbs Using Video Capillaroscopy. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, 67 (6). pp. 1008-1014. ISSN 10785884

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Abstract

Objective: The pre-collecting and collecting lymph vessels have smooth muscle cells, and sufficient perfusion is vital to maintain their function. Although the vasa vasorum of the collecting lymph vessels (VVCL) have been histologically investigated, little is known about their physiology. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between morphology and blood flow of the VVCL in lymphoedematous limbs. Methods: Medical records of lower extremity lymphoedema patients who underwent video capillaroscopy observation during supermicrosurgical lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) surgery were reviewed. The collecting lymph vessels, dissected for LVA, were examined under video capillaroscopy (GOKO Bscan-ZD, GOKO Imaging Devices Co., Japan) with a magnification of 175x and 620x. Blood flow velocity of the VVCL was calculated by measuring the red blood cell movement using software (GOKO-VIP ver. 1.0.0.4, GOKO Imaging Devices Co., Japan). Based on the video capillaroscopy findings, the VVCL were grouped according to their morphology; the VVCL morphology types and blood flow velocity were then compared according to the lymphosclerosis severity grade. Results: Sixty-seven lymph vessels in 20 lower extremity lymphoedema patients were evaluated, including s0 in 19 (28.4%), s1 in 34 (50.7%), s2 in 10 (14.9%), and s3 in four (6.0%) lymph vessels. The VVCLs were grouped into four types: type 1 (n = 4), type 2 (n = 37), type 3 (n = 19), and type 4 (n = 7). Blood flow velocity of the VVCL ranged 0 – 189.3 μm/sec (average 26.40 μm/sec). There were statistically significant differences in VVCL morphology (p < .001) and blood flow velocity (p < .001) according to lymphosclerotic severity. Conclusion: Vasa vasorum of the collecting lymph vessels could be grouped into four types with different characteristics. Morphological and physiological changes of the VVCL were related to sclerotic changes of the collecting lymph vessels. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Health Professions > General Health Professionals
Divisions: Medicine > Vinayaka Mission's Kirupananda Variyar Medical College and Hospital, Salem > Medicine
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email techsupport@mosys.org
Last Modified: 27 Nov 2025 06:05
URI: https://vmuir.mosys.org/id/eprint/1555

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