Primary Lymphedema and Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Case Report and Review

Primary lymphedema is characterized by swelling that is present at birth or that develops later in life, and is caused by genetically-mediated impairment of lymph vessels and lymph node development. The venous and lymphatic circulation systems are closely connected, and phlebolymphedema is the most common combined venous and lymphatic insufficiency disease. However, primary lymphedema is only rarely combined with chronic venous insufficiency. We describe a case in which the patient, who was diagnosed with primary lymphedema, developed chronic venous disease.