Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Lower Extremity Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue with Quantitative Echogenicity and Elastography in Lymphedema, Lipedema, and Healthy Control Groups: A Controlled Clinical Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how different ultrasound techniques can help distinguish between lymphedema and lipedema, two chronic conditions that often look similar but require different treatments. This observational study aims to find reliable, non-invasive imaging methods to improve early and accurate diagnosis by comparing tissue features in patients with lymphedema, lipedema, and healthy individuals. Participants are divided into three groups: those with lymphedema, those with lipedema, and healthy volunteers. Each participant undergoes a detailed ultrasound assessment using B-mode ultrasound to measure skin and tissue thickness, strain elastography to evaluate tissue stiffness, power Doppler to look at blood flow, and ImageJ software for quantitative image analysis. This evaluation helps compare tissue characteristics across groups. During the study, participants will have one ultrasound session where these measurements are taken. Researchers will assess tissue thickness, stiffness, echogenicity, and pain levels to determine how well ultrasound can differentiate the conditions. The study involves adults aged 18 to 75 years and includes healthy volunteers for baseline comparison. The information gathered will help establish standard ultrasound criteria for diagnosis.

Multimodal Ultrasound for Differentiating Lymphedema and Lipedema