CLT Lymphedema Pathology & Staging

Question 1

Lymphedema is defined as edema caused by which underlying mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient lymphatic transport capacity relative to lymphatic load

Answer

Increased venous pressure from heart failure

Answer

Decreased serum albumin from liver disease

Answer

Excess antidiuretic hormone secretion

Question 2

Primary lymphedema is caused by what?

Accepted Answer

Congenital or developmental abnormalities of lymphatic vessels or nodes

Answer

Removal of lymph nodes during cancer surgery

Answer

Infection by Wuchereria bancrofti

Answer

Trauma to lymphatic vessels

Question 3

According to the International Society of Lymphology (ISL), Stage 0 lymphedema is characterized by what finding?

Accepted Answer

Latent or subclinical condition where transport is impaired but swelling is not yet present

Answer

Visible, non-pitting edema present at rest

Answer

Fibrotic, irreversible tissue changes

Answer

Pitting edema that reverses with elevation

Question 4

In ISL Stage II lymphedema, which tissue characteristic distinguishes it from Stage I?

Accepted Answer

Fibrotic tissue changes; pitting may or may not be present and elevation alone does not reverse swelling

Answer

The edema pits easily

Answer

Spontaneous reversibility with limb elevation

Answer

No swelling is visible

Question 5

Elephantiasis is associated with which most extreme stage of lymphedema?

Accepted Answer

ISL Stage III

Answer

ISL Stage 0

Answer

ISL Stage I

Answer

ISL Stage II

Question 6

Filariasis-induced secondary lymphedema in the US most commonly affects which patient population?

Accepted Answer

Immigrants from tropical regions where Wuchereria bancrofti is endemic

Answer

Elderly women post-mastectomy

Answer

Athletes with repetitive limb injuries

Answer

Post-surgical knee replacement patients