Lymphangitis is an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, most often caused by bacterial infections like streptococci and staphylococci entering through the skin via wounds or insect bites. Filariasis, caused by parasitic worms transmitted by mosquitoes, is a common cause in certain regions. Symptoms include fever, skin redness along the path of the lymphatic vessels, and swollen lymph nodes near the infection site. Treatment involves antibiotics, pain medication, limb elevation, and physiotherapy to promote lymph drainage and prevent lymphedema.

1. LYMPHANGITIS

2. Definition
• Lymphangitis is the inflammation of the
lymph vessels.
• Lymph vessels are the part of lymphatic
system.
• Lymphatic system is the drainage system of
the body.
• And it is the part of immune system.

3. Causes of lymphangitis
• It is an acute non suppurative infection and
spreading inflammation of lymphatic of skin
and subcutaneous tissues,
• Mostly cause by beta hemolytic Streptococci ,
staphylococci, clostridium bacteria.
• It can also cause by virus and fungi.
• The most common cause of Lymphangitis is
Filariasis (Elephantiatsis).

4. •It can occur because of non infectious conditions like
cancers and tumors
•Lymphangitis is often a complication of skin infection
•Common causes includes
 Skin infection like cellulitis
 Puncture wound
 Bug bites and sting

5. Filariasis
• Lumphatic filariasis is caused by the parasitic
worm Wuchereria bancrofti.
• The worm is enter the human body via
mosquito transmission.
• Mainly it is transmitted by the Culex
mosquito.

6. Pathophysiology of filariasis

7. Filariasis of lower limb Filariasis of upper limb

8. Clinical features of filariasis
• Fever
• Chills
• Local pain
• Swelling of limbs, scrotum, breast, genital
• Lymphangitis

9. Investigations
• Complete blood count: there will be elevation
of WBC, platelet count and ESR.
• Skin biopsy: to identify the microfilariae in the
lymphatic tissue.
• Ultrasonography: is imaging modality of
choice to detect the worms in lymphatics.

10. Treatment
• Elevate the part.
• Antiparasitic drugs are prescribed –
diethylcarbamazine, ivermectin, albendazole,
doxycycline.
• Efficacy is great when combination of drugs
are used; Diethylcarbamazine in addition to
ivermectin or albendazole.
• Exercise and move affected limb regularly.

11. Risk factor of lymphangitis
Diabetes
Crohn’s disease
Chickenpox
HIV
A suppressed immune system

12. Sign and symptoms
• Red streaks on skin
• On pressure area blanches
• Edema is seen
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Tachycardia
• Lymph nodes are enlarged

13. • A slow healing wound
• Fatigue
• Features of toxaemia (headache,
nausea, visual changes, high bp,)

15. Groin lymph nodes are enlarged and tender in lower
limb lymphangitis.
In upper limb, as lymphatics are mainly located on the
dorsum of the hand, oedema and redness develops on
the dorsum.
Infection in thumb and index finger causes palpable
tender axillary nodes.
In little and ring finger cause palpable tender
epitrochlear node
And infection in the middle finger causes deltopectoral
nodes to enlarge.

16. Regional lymph nodes may suppurate to form an abscess.
Chronic lymphangitis occurs due to repeated attacks of acute
recurrent lymphangitis leading into acquired lymphoedema.

17. Investigations
• Clinical assessment: check the skin and swelling
of lymph nodes around the infected area.
• CBC: in CBC report we can see the increase in no.
of leukocytes due to presence of inflammation.
• Skin culture: to determine the presence of
pathogens like bacteria, fungi or viruses.
• Skin biopsy: to determine the cause of swollen
lymph nodes.
• Blood culture: to find out if infection has spread
to blood or not.

18. • Liver function test
• Renal function test

19. Treatment
• Elevate the infected part.
• Antibiotics like cephalexin, clindamycin and
cloxacillin is given.
• And sometimes amoxicillin is administer
through Iv.
• NSAIDS for pain relief.(Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen)

20. Role of physiotherapy
• To reduce the lymphedema
• And to keep the limb mobilize
• Appropriate exercise prescription

21. Thank you