LYMPHANGIOPHLEBITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Lymphangiophlebitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and clotting of lymphatic vessels and adjacent veins. It typically occurs as a complication of an underlying infection, most commonly involving the lower extremities.
The term "lymphangiophlebitis" is derived from three main components: "lymphangi-" refers to the lymphatic vessels, which make up a vital part of the body's immune system and help transport lymph fluid; "-phleb-" relates to veins, which carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart; and "-itis" indicates inflammation.
When lymphangiophlebitis occurs, the affected lymphatic vessels and veins become red, swollen, and tender. Individuals may experience localized warmth and pain around the affected area. These symptoms may progressively worsen, and the skin overlying the inflamed vessels may appear red and develop a firm texture. In some cases, the clot formation within the vessels may lead to obstruction, impairing adequate lymphatic and blood flow.
Common causes of lymphangiophlebitis include bacterial infections like cellulitis or erysipelas, wherein bacteria enter the lymphatic vessels through skin wounds or breaks. Other risk factors include impaired lymphatic drainage, such as in patients with conditions like lymphedema or filariasis, or surgical procedures involving lymphatic vessels and veins. Infections originating in the lower leg are a particularly common source of lymphangiophlebitis.
Prompt medical attention is crucial in the management of lymphangiophlebitis to prevent further complications, such as the spread of infection or the development of sepsis. Treatment usually involves antibiotics to target the underlying infection, along with measures to reduce clot formation, alleviate symptoms, and promote healing.
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Inflammation of the lymphatics and veins.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LYMPHANGIOPHLEBITIS
- lymphangiophlebiti3
- lymphangiophlebitic
- lymphangiophlebitiq
- lymphangiophlebitir
- l ymphangiophlebitis
- ly mphangiophlebitis
- lymph angiophlebitis
- lympha ngiophlebitis
- lymphan giophlebitis
- lymphang iophlebitis
- lymphangi ophlebitis
- lymphangioph lebitis
- lymphangiophl ebitis
- lymphangiophle bitis
- lymphangiophleb itis
- lymphangiophlebi tis
- lymphangiophlebit is
- lymphangiophlebiti s
Etymology of LYMPHANGIOPHLEBITIS
The word "lymphangiophlebitis" is a medical term that combines three Greek roots: "lympho-", "angio-", and "phlebitis".1. "Lympho-" is derived from the Greek word "lympha" (λυμφή), meaning "clear, watery fluid". In medical terminology, "lympho-" is used to refer to the lymphatic system or lymph nodes.2. "Angio-" is derived from the Greek word "angeion" (ἀγγεῖον), meaning "vessel". It is commonly used in medical terms to denote blood vessels.3. "Phlebitis" comes from the Greek word "phléps" (φλέψ), meaning "vein", combined with the suffix "-itis", indicating inflammation. Phlebitis refers to the inflammation of a vein.
