Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by a change in the skin and subcutaneous tissue due to chronic congestion?

1. Lipedema

2. Elephantiasis

3. Lyphadenopathy

4. Lipodermatosclerosis

The correct answer is: Lipodermatosclerosis

The condition characterized by changes in the skin and subcutaneous tissue due to chronic congestion is lipodermatosclerosis. This term refers specifically to the skin changes that occur as a result of long-standing venous insufficiency, leading to an increase in pressure within the veins. Over time, this chronic congestion results in inflammation, fibrosis, and ultimately skin changes that may include thickening, hardening, and discoloration of the skin in the affected areas. Lipedema primarily involves an accumulation of fat, particularly in the lower body, often accompanied by pain and tenderness, but does not primarily relate to skin and tissue changes resulting from chronic congestion. Elephantiasis, associated with lymphatic obstruction, leads to extreme swelling, often with skin changes, but it does not specifically describe the pain and tissue change seen in lipodermatosclerosis related to venous issues. Lymphadenopathy refers to the enlargement of lymph nodes due to various conditions, but it doesn’t involve the skin and subcutaneous tissue changes due to chronic congestion. Thus, lipodermatosclerosis is the most accurate answer because it specifically denotes the skin and tissue alterations associated with prolonged venous congestion.