3D stereophotogrammetry in upper-extremity lymphedema: An accurate diagnostic method. Issue 2 (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hameeteman, Marijn; Verhulst, Arico C.; Vreeken, Rinaldo D.; Maal, Thomas J.J.; Ulrich, Dietmar J.O.
• Is Part Of: Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery. Volume 69:Issue 2(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 241
• Page End: 247
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Three-dimensional imaging -- 3D stereophotogrammetry -- Lymphedema -- Diagnostic accuracy; Surgery, Plastic -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 617.9505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2015.10.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-6815

Abstract

Summary: Background: Upper-extremity lymphedema is a frequent complication in patients treated for breast cancer. Current diagnostic methods for the upper-extremity volume measurements are cumbersome or time consuming. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetry for volume measurements in patients with upper-extremity lymphedema. Method: Patients with unilateral upper-extremity lymphedema were included. The water displacement volume measurement of both arms was performed using a standardized method. In addition, 3D stereophotogrammetry volume measurements were conducted. Results: Eleven patients (22 arms) were included. The mean volumes obtained by 3D stereophotogrammetry and water displacement show a high correlation, with a Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.99 ( p = 0.01). The variance calculated by 3D stereophotogrammetry measurements (205 mL) was statistically significant less than that obtained via water displacement measurements (1540 mL) ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: 3D stereophotogrammetry is an accurate method for measuring upper-extremity volume in patients with lymphedema and gives a lower variance value compared to that of the water displacement measurements. We recommend the use of this method in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with lymphedema.