Lymphoscintigraphic evaluation of congenital lymphedema of the newborn.

The authors present a case of the Hennekam syndrome diagnosed in a newborn. Lymphedema is usually present in this syndrome, and the lymphoscintigraphic imaging findings for its detection are discussed. This case confirms the utility of lymphoscintigraphy in providing important physiologic and anatomic information for pre-surgical planning. An etiologic diagnosis could possibly be obtained. The procedure is relatively easy to perform, safe, reliable, minimally invasive, and not uncomfortable for the patient. It should be considered a valuable diagnostic tool, especially in newborns, in whom conventional contrast lymphoangiography is difficult to perform.