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Cell Jul 2020Mammals have two specialized vascular circulatory systems: the blood vasculature and the lymphatic vasculature. The lymphatic vasculature is a unidirectional conduit... (Review)
Review
Mammals have two specialized vascular circulatory systems: the blood vasculature and the lymphatic vasculature. The lymphatic vasculature is a unidirectional conduit that returns filtered interstitial arterial fluid and tissue metabolites to the blood circulation. It also plays major roles in immune cell trafficking and lipid absorption. As we discuss in this review, the molecular characterization of lymphatic vascular development and our understanding of this vasculature's role in pathophysiological conditions has greatly improved in recent years, changing conventional views about the roles of the lymphatic vasculature in health and disease. Morphological or functional defects in the lymphatic vasculature have now been uncovered in several pathological conditions. We propose that subtle asymptomatic alterations in lymphatic vascular function could underlie the variability seen in the body's response to a wide range of human diseases.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; History, 21st Century; Humans; Lymph Nodes; Lymphangiogenesis; Lymphatic Diseases; Lymphatic Metastasis; Lymphatic Vessels; Neoplasms; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3
PubMed: 32707093
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.06.039 -
Phlebology Apr 2018Objective Medical compression stockings are a standard, non-invasive treatment option for all venous and lymphatic diseases. The aim of this consensus document is to... (Review)
Review
Objective Medical compression stockings are a standard, non-invasive treatment option for all venous and lymphatic diseases. The aim of this consensus document is to provide up-to-date recommendations and evidence grading on the indications for treatment, based on evidence accumulated during the past decade, under the auspices of the International Compression Club. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted and, using PRISMA guidelines, 51 relevant publications were selected for an evidence-based analysis of an initial 2407 unrefined results. Key search terms included: 'acute', CEAP', 'chronic', 'compression stockings', 'compression therapy', 'lymph', 'lymphatic disease', 'vein' and 'venous disease'. Evidence extracted from the publications was graded initially by the panel members individually and then refined at the consensus meeting. Results Based on the current evidence, 25 recommendations for chronic and acute venous disorders were made. Of these, 24 recommendations were graded as: Grade 1A (n = 4), 1B (n = 13), 1C (n = 2), 2B (n = 4) and 2C (n = 1). The panel members found moderately robust evidence for medical compression stockings in patients with venous symptoms and prevention and treatment of venous oedema. Robust evidence was found for prevention and treatment of venous leg ulcers. Recommendations for stocking-use after great saphenous vein interventions were limited to the first post-interventional week. No randomised clinical trials are available that document a prophylactic effect of medical compression stockings on the progression of chronic venous disease (CVD). In acute deep vein thrombosis, immediate compression is recommended to reduce pain and swelling. Despite conflicting results from a recent study to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome, medical compression stockings are still recommended. In thromboprophylaxis, the role of stockings in addition to anticoagulation is limited. For the maintenance phase of lymphoedema management, compression stockings are the most important intervention. Conclusion The beneficial value of applying compression stockings in the treatment of venous and lymphatic disease is supported by this document, with 19/25 recommendations rated as Grade 1 evidence. For recommendations rated with Grade 2 level of evidence, further studies are needed.
Topics: Clinical Trials as Topic; Consensus; Humans; Lymphatic Diseases; Postthrombotic Syndrome; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Stockings, Compression
PubMed: 28549402
DOI: 10.1177/0268355516689631 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2021The thymus is a vital organ of the immune system that plays an essential role in thymocyte development and maturation. Thymic atrophy occurs with age (physiological... (Review)
Review
The thymus is a vital organ of the immune system that plays an essential role in thymocyte development and maturation. Thymic atrophy occurs with age (physiological thymic atrophy) or as a result of viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection (pathological thymic atrophy). Thymic atrophy directly results in loss of thymocytes and/or destruction of the thymic architecture, and indirectly leads to a decrease in naïve T cells and limited T cell receptor diversity. Thus, it is important to recognize the causes and mechanisms that induce thymic atrophy. In this review, we highlight current progress in infection-associated pathogenic thymic atrophy and discuss its possible mechanisms. In addition, we discuss whether extracellular vesicles/exosomes could be potential carriers of pathogenic substances to the thymus, and potential drugs for the treatment of thymic atrophy. Having acknowledged that most current research is limited to serological aspects, we look forward to the possibility of extending future work regarding the impact of neural modulation on thymic atrophy.
Topics: Animals; Atrophy; Communicable Diseases; Host-Parasite Interactions; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Lymphatic Diseases; Thymus Gland
PubMed: 34113341
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.652538 -
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in... Jan 2015Despite many advances in both diagnosis and treatment, tuberculosis still remains one of commonest causes of morbidity and mortality from any infectious cause in the... (Review)
Review
Despite many advances in both diagnosis and treatment, tuberculosis still remains one of commonest causes of morbidity and mortality from any infectious cause in the world. Although the overall incidence and mortality rate for tuberculosis has decreased over the years, timely and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis is essential for the health of the patient as well as the public. For the diagnosis of tuberculosis, a high degree of clinical suspicion is required, and this becomes much more important in high-risk populations. Tuberculosis may masquerade as any disease; therefore, tissue and microbiological assessment is sometimes important for establishing the diagnosis. However, in daily practice, the clinician and radiologist should be familiar with the imaging features of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis, as well as manifestations of tuberculosis in immunocompromised patients. Imaging provides a very important role in the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis. Although chest X rays remain the basic imaging modality for pulmonary tuberculosis, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear medicine techniques, including positron emission tomography/computed tomography, are extremely helpful in the assessment of both pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Topics: Coinfection; Diagnosis, Differential; Diagnostic Imaging; HIV Infections; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Lymphatic Diseases; Recurrence; Tuberculosis
PubMed: 25605754
DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a017814 -
Current Opinion in Pediatrics Jun 2018The essential role of the lymphatic system in fluid homeostasis, nutrient transport, and immune trafficking is well recognized; however, there is limited understanding... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The essential role of the lymphatic system in fluid homeostasis, nutrient transport, and immune trafficking is well recognized; however, there is limited understanding of the mechanisms that regulate lymphatic function, particularly in the setting of critical illness. The lymphatics likely affect disease severity and progression in every condition, from severe systemic inflammatory states to respiratory failure. Here, we review structural and functional disorders of the lymphatic system, both congenital and acquired, as they relate to care of the pediatric patient in the intensive care setting, including novel areas of research into medical and procedural therapeutic interventions.
RECENT FINDINGS
The mainstay of current therapies for congenital and acquired lymphatic abnormalities has involved nonspecific medical management or surgical procedures to obstruct or divert lymphatic flow. With the development of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography, image-directed percutaneous intervention may largely replace surgery. Because of new insights into the mechanisms that regulate lymphatic biology, pharmacologic inhibitors of mTOR and leukotriene B4 signaling are each in Phase II clinical trials to treat abnormal lymphatic structure and function, respectively.
SUMMARY
As our understanding of normal lymphatic biology continues to advance, we will be able to develop novel strategies to support and augment lymphatic function during critical illness and through convalescence.
Topics: Child; Critical Care; Critical Illness; Heart Diseases; Humans; Lymphatic Diseases; Multiple Organ Failure
PubMed: 29538048
DOI: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000000623 -
European Radiology Jan 2022To characterize hepatic to systemic lymphatic connections in patients with systemic lymphatic disease using intra-hepatic lymphangiography and to compare outcomes after...
OBJECTIVES
To characterize hepatic to systemic lymphatic connections in patients with systemic lymphatic disease using intra-hepatic lymphangiography and to compare outcomes after lymphatic intervention.
METHODS
In this retrospective study, patients with intra-hepatic lymphangiography from May 2014 - April 2019 at our institution were included. Imaging review was performed and hepatic lymphatic connections and flow patterns were characterized. Clinical data were reviewed and comparisons between patients undergoing lymphatic intervention with or without abnormal hepatic lymphatics were performed.
RESULTS
During the study period, 105 patients underwent intra-hepatic lymphangiography. Primary clinical presentation included ascites (19/105), chylothorax (27/105), plastic bronchitis (PB) (17/105), and protein losing enteropathy (PLE) (42/105). Five categories of hepatic lymphatic connections and flow patterns were identified (%): normal (25%, 26/105), hepatoperitoneal (12%, 13/105), hepatopulmonary (10.5%, 11/105), hepatomesenteric (7.5%, 8/105), and hepatoduodenal (41%, 43/105) with four patients having more than one abnormal pattern. A comparison between clinical presentation and imaging category revealed an increased likelihood of having ascites with hepatoperitoneal (p < .0001), chylothorax/PB with hepatopulmonary (p = .01), and PLE with hepatoduodenal (p < .001) connections. Seventy-six patients had a lymphatic intervention, 24% with normal, and 76% with abnormal liver lymphatics. There was no difference in length of hospital stay or mortality between the two groups, but there was a prolonged time to symptom resolution (p = .006) and persistent symptoms after 6 months (5% vs 44%, p = .002) in the group with abnormal liver lymphatics.
CONCLUSION
We identified five liver lymphatic imaging categories with a substantial correlation to presenting lymphatic disease. Abnormal imaging patterns correlated with increased morbidity. Evaluation of liver lymphatics should be considered in patients with a systemic lymphatic disease if central lymphatic imaging is normal.
KEY POINTS
• We identified five liver lymphatic imaging patterns: normal, hepatoperitoneal, hepatomesenteric, hepatopulmonary, and hepatoduodenal. • Imaging patterns were correlated with disease presentation (normal - chylothorax/PB, hepatoperitoneal - ascites/chylothorax, hepatopulmonary - chylothorax/PB, hepatoduodenal - PLE). • Abnormal imaging patterns correlated with increased morbidity.
Topics: Chylothorax; Humans; Liver; Lymphatic Diseases; Lymphatic Vessels; Lymphography; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34165621
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-08098-z -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases May 2006Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a benign and self-limited disorder, characterized by regional cervical lymphadenopathy with tenderness, usually accompanied with mild... (Review)
Review
Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a benign and self-limited disorder, characterized by regional cervical lymphadenopathy with tenderness, usually accompanied with mild fever and night sweats. Less frequent symptoms include weight loss, nausea, vomiting, sore throat. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is an extremely rare disease known to have a worldwide distribution with higher prevalence among Japanese and other Asiatic individuals. The clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical features appear to point to a viral etiology, a hypothesis that still has not been proven. KFD is generally diagnosed on the basis of an excisional biopsy of affected lymph nodes. Its recognition is crucial especially because this disease can be mistaken for systemic lupus erythematosus, malignant lymphoma or even, though rarely, for adenocarcinoma. Clinicians' and pathologists' awareness of this disorder may help prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. The diagnosis of KFD merits active consideration in any nodal biopsy showing fragmentation, necrosis and karyorrhexis, especially in young individuals presenting with posterior cervical lymphadenopathy. Treatment is symptomatic (analgesics-antipyretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and, rarely, corticosteroids). Spontaneous recovery occurs in 1 to 4 months. Patients with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease should be followed-up for several years to survey the possibility of the development of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Fever; Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Lymphatic Diseases; Nausea; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 16722618
DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-1-18 -
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews.... 2013The lymphatic vasculature plays vital roles in tissue fluid balance, immune defense, metabolism, and cancer metastasis. In adults, lymphatic vessel formation and... (Review)
Review
The lymphatic vasculature plays vital roles in tissue fluid balance, immune defense, metabolism, and cancer metastasis. In adults, lymphatic vessel formation and remodeling occur primarily during inflammation, development of the corpus luteum, wound healing, and tumor growth. Unlike the blood circulation, where unidirectional flow is sustained by the pumping actions of the heart, pumping actions intrinsic to the lymphatic vessels themselves are important drivers of lymphatic flow. This review summarizes critical components that control lymphatic physiology.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Lymph; Lymphatic Diseases; Lymphatic Vessels; Models, Biological
PubMed: 23209022
DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1201 -
Modern Pathology : An Official Journal... Jan 2013Benign lymphadenopathy is a common biopsy finding, and may often be confused with malignant lymphoma. It may be separated into major morphologic patterns, each with its... (Review)
Review
Benign lymphadenopathy is a common biopsy finding, and may often be confused with malignant lymphoma. It may be separated into major morphologic patterns, each with its own differential diagnosis with certain types of lymphoma. Most cases of reactive follicular hyperplasia is easy to diagnosis, but some cases may be confused with follicular lymphoma, but key morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular findings may usually distinguish between the two, particularly assessment of bcl-2 staining. Molecular studies to demonstrate B-cell clonality, as well as the t(14;18), may also be of great use in difficult cases. IgG4-associated sclerosing disease is discussed, as one recently described example of a specific type of reactive follicular hyperplasia in which the etiology may be suggested based on pathologic studies. While overlapping with the other types of hyperplasia, a high index of suspicion as well as IgG and IgG4 immunostains will help raise the possibility of the diagnosis that can be confirmed by further clinical studies. Reactive paracortical/interfollicular hyperplasia is another pattern of reactive hyperplasia, which may easily be confused with Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly T-cell lymphoma. Epstein-Barr virus-associated infectious mononucleosis is an example of reactive paracortical/interfollicular hyperplasia, which may often simulate a malignant lymphoma. Attention to clinical findings, as well as a combination of immunohistochemical stains and in situ hybridization studies for Epstein-Barr early RNA (EBER) will usually allow a definitive diagnosis. In addition, lymph nodes with extensive necrosis may simulate malignant lymphoma. Kikuchi necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis is an example of a benign process with extensive necrosis, which may easily be confused with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Clinical and morphologic features, particularly the presence of abundant karyorrhectic debris along with a paucity of granulocytes, as well as immunohistochemical studies to rule out lymphoma, are most helpful in establishing the correct diagnosis.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Histiocytes; Humans; Hyperplasia; Lymphatic Diseases; Lymphoma
PubMed: 23281438
DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2012.176 -
The Journal of Clinical Investigation Mar 2014The lymphatic circulatory system has diverse functions in lipid absorption, fluid homeostasis, and immune surveillance and responds dynamically when presented with... (Review)
Review
The lymphatic circulatory system has diverse functions in lipid absorption, fluid homeostasis, and immune surveillance and responds dynamically when presented with infection, inflammation, altered hemodynamics, and cancer. Visualization of these dynamic processes in human disease and animal models of disease is key to understanding the contributory role of the lymphatic circulatory system in disease and to devising effective therapeutic strategies. Longitudinal, non-destructive, and repeated imaging is necessary to expand our understanding of disease progression and regression in basic science and clinical investigations. Herein we summarize recent advances in in vivo lymphatic imaging employing magnetic resonance, computed tomography, lymphoscintigraphy, and emerging optical techniques with respect to their contributory roles in both basic science and clinical research investigations.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Genetically Modified; Green Fluorescent Proteins; Humans; Lymphatic Diseases; Lymphatic Vessels; Lymphography; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neoplasms; Optical Imaging; Radionuclide Imaging
PubMed: 24590275
DOI: 10.1172/JCI71612