Sharma RK, Sood S, Sharma D. Delineating the Boundaries of Superficial Lymphangitis: A Retrospective Study of 11 Cases with a Review of Literature.
Indian Dermatol Online J 2023;
14:658-664. [PMID:
37727545 PMCID:
PMC10506826 DOI:
10.4103/idoj.idoj_251_23]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Lymphangitis is an inflammation of lymphatic channels caused by infectious or non-infectious agents, presenting with characteristic linear erythematous streaks draining toward regional lymph nodes.
Objective
To describe the clinical characteristics and etiological factors involved in acute superficial lymphangitis in a retrospective descriptive study. Materials and Methods: Records of patients were analyzed retrospectively who presented with linear erythematous streaks, diagnosed as superficial lymphangitis, in the outpatient department of dermatology during the last 5 years (January 2018-December 2022) in a tertiary care hospital. Patients were evaluated for their demographic profile, detailed history, complete physical examination, and standard blood tests (if necessary).
Results
A total of 11 patients were found, out of which 7 (63%) were males and 4 (37%) were females. The mean/median age of these patients was 30 years (range 9-52 years). The minimum duration of development of lymphangitis was within minutes in the case of a mosquito bite reaction and around 72 hours in the case of trauma or infection induced, with a median interval of 48 hours. The site most commonly involved was the upper extremity in 8 (72%) patients, followed by the trunk in 2 (18%) and the lower extremity in 1 (9%). Arthropod bite reactions (63%) were the most common etiological agent. All patients presented with linear erythematous streaks extending towards draining lymph nodes.
Conclusion
Lymphangitis is often considered to be a bacterial infection and is mostly treated with antibiotics; however, non-bacterial and non-infectious causes should be kept in mind while treating superficial lymphangitis to make judicious use of systemic antibiotics.
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