II. Indications
III. Mechanism
- Lymphedema results in thickened, fibrotic skin from Protein and inflammatory cell deposition
IV. Exam: Technique
- Attempt to pinch and lift skinfold at the base of the second toe (or middle finger)
V. Interpretation
- Negative (able to pinch skin)
- Does not completely exclude Lymphedema (especially if recent onset), but is more suggestive of other edema cause
- No swelling at base of digit is more consistent with Chronic Venous Insufficiency
- Pitting swelling of the base of digit is more suggestive of CHF, Nephrotic Syndrome, Cirrhosis or other similar edema
- Positive (unable to pinch skin)
- Pathognomonic for Lymphedema