[Ultrasound tomography of soft tissues and venous vessels in secondary edema of the upper limbs].

The paper is concerned with ultrasound investigation that permits obtaining objective data on changes in the thickness, structure, borders and density of soft tissues in upper limb lymphedema. Moderate thickening of the skin and subcutaneous fat with slight thickening of the latter was noted in patients with mild edema. The thickness of the group of muscles at the shoulder level was decreased in each 3rd patient. Thickening of the skin and subcutaneous fat more than 1.5-fold was noted in edema of average severity. In severe edema the skin and subcutaneous tissue got thicker 2-2.5 times and acquired a dense regular spotty pattern. Echogeneity of the skin was reduced, and it often became merged with the subcutaneous fat. Cavities filled in with edematous fluid were found in the zone of maximum edema. Ultrasound phlebography made it possible to determine the state of major veins in upper limb edema and to abandon roentgenocontrast investigation of veins in a majority of cases.