Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) Practice Exam

How can chronic venous insufficiency affect lymphatic function?

1. By increasing lymphatic transport

2. By causing retrograde flow in lymphatics

3. By causing inflammation and damage to lymphatic vessels

4. By decreasing lymphatic capacity

The correct answer is: By causing inflammation and damage to lymphatic vessels

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) can significantly impact lymphatic function primarily by causing inflammation and damage to lymphatic vessels. When the venous system is insufficient, the increased pressure in the veins leads to venous hypertension. This condition can result in fluid leakage from the capillaries into the surrounding tissues, causing edema. The edema that develops can promote inflammation, which in turn can damage lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic system is responsible for draining excess interstitial fluid and preventing tissue swelling, but when the vessels are compromised due to inflammation and damage, their ability to transport lymph effectively is impaired. This cascade of events can contribute to further complications, such as lymphatic obstruction or dysfunction, exacerbating the issues associated with CVI. While the role of CVI in increasing lymphatic transport or capacity might seem plausible at first glance, it is important to understand that such conditions generally impair lymphatic function rather than enhance it. This is why the correct understanding of the relationship between CVI and the lymphatic system lies in the inflammatory and damaging outcomes that CVI induces within the lymphatic vessels.