Noncontrast Magnetic Resonance Lymphangiography in a Rare Case of Everolimus-Related Lymphedema

We report the case of a 58-year-old man with a history of end-stage renal disease of unknown etiology who had undergone right renal transplantation 11 years before. After the transplant, the patient soon developed bilateral progressive swelling involving feet and legs. The symptoms of the left limb improved markedly after discontinuing everolimus. This condition has been classified as everolimus-induced lymphedema. The patient was referred to our department for the execution of a noncontrast magnetic resonance lymphangiography, that is, a noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging technique that has recently proposed for the study of lymphedema. Noncontrast magnetic resonance lymphangiography showed asymmetry between the lower extremities with signs of advanced lymphedema located in the right lower limb and dilated peripheral lymphatic vessels. Drug withdrawal is currently the only effective solution for treating this type of secondary lymphedema; however, with the prolonged use of the drug, lymphedema tends to persist even after mTOR inhibitor suspension, with only partial clinical improvement, as in this case. This case report describes the imaging characteristics of such condition at noncontrast magnetic resonance lymphangiography and discusses the rare adverse effects of everolimus. Immediate suspension of the drug is the only effective strategy to avoid the persistence of this disorder.
Source: Annals of Plastic Surgery - Category: Cosmetic Surgery Tags: Transplantation Surgery and Research Source Type: research