INITIAL LYMPHATIC VESSELS (SEE ALSO LYMPHATIC PRECOLLECTORS)

This definition is to be preferred over the term «lymphatic capillaries », used in some works, which is considered to be improper from an anatomic and histological point of view.

The anatomic space between the fingers or toes, and a frequent site of micotic infections in patients with lymph stasis.

Device employed for mechanical lymphatic drainage, featuring a pneumatic compressor sleeve (for arms or legs), with a single pneumatic chamber for alternated compression/ decompression cycles.
Figure: A model of intermittent limb compression device for mechanical lymphatic drainage.

Literally, a congenital malformation of the intestinal lymphatic structures, and, in particular, of the small intestine and the mesentery, often associated with other malformations of lymphatic-lymph node structures in other body districts. From a pathological anatomy point of view, it features a dilatation of mucous and submucous lymphatic vessels of the intestinal wall and their subsequent functional insufficiency. It is often accompanied by lymphopenia – due to the leak of lymphocytes in the intestinal lumen – and with protein losing enteropaty. Its typical clinical manifestations may be observed also in other pathological processes involving intestinal and mesentery lymphatic-lymph node structures, and leading to their insufficiency (for example during TBC, Crohn’s disease, lymphomas with gastro-intestinal localization, enterites with various etiology, tumors with lymph node metastases, etc.).