Four Generations of Rare Familial Lymphedema (Milroy Disease)

OBJECTIVE: To report a rare case of familial lymphedema (Milroy disease) affecting 4 generations of individuals. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 28-year-old woman presented with bilateral pedal edema which she had since birth. A detailed evaluation including blood counts, metabolic panel and imaging studies ruled out secondary causes of lymphedema. The family history revealed many affected individuals up to 4 generations. She was reassured about the potential benign yet familial nature of this condition. She was advised to wear compression stockings and to avoid scratches or skin breakdowns in the lower extremities to prevent cellulitis. CONCLUSION: This case showed the occurrence of asymptomatic progressive lymphedema in 4 generations of individuals.