Chronic hereditary lymphedema

Chronic hereditary lymphedema or Milroy disease is a condition characterized by lower-limb lymphoedema. Patients typically present with pedal edema at or before birth or soon after. Occasionally, it develops later in life.

Pathology

Genetics

Mutations in the FLT4 gene is thought to be present in some cases. It is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.

History and etymology

It is thought to have first been described by Letessier in 1865 ¹.