lymphangitis

Introduction

Inflammation of lymphatic vessels.

Etiology

• bacterial infection
  • generally Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Nocardia, tularemia, Mycobacterium marinum
• parasitic infection
  • filiariasis
  • Leishmania braziliensis
• fungal infection
  • sporotrichosis

Pathology

• inflammation of lymphatic vessels
• lymphatic spread from injured area or ulceration, generally on arm or leg

Clinical manifestations

• acute episode lasting days or longer
• red streak(s) on skin with tenderness
• raised border around infected area
• enlarged, tender lymph nodes (lymphadenitis)
• fever
• headache & myalgias may be noted

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Management

• depends on etiology

More general terms

• lymphatic disease