Investigation of Shape with Patients Suffering from Unilateral Lymphoedema

Abstract

This study investigates the use of a 3D depth sensing camera for analysing the shape of lymphoedematous arms, and seeks to identify suitable metrics for monitoring lymphoedema clinically. A fast, simple protocol was developed for scanning upper limb lymphoedema, after which a robust data pre- and post-processing framework was built that consistently and quickly identifies arm shape and volume. The framework was then tested on 24 patients with mild unilateral lymphoedema, who were also assessed using tape measurements. The scanning protocol developed led to scanning times of about 20–30 s. Shape related metrics such as circumference and circularity were used to distinguish between affected and healthy arms (p ≤ 0.05). Swelling maps were also derived to identify the distribution of oedema on arms. Topology and shape could be used to monitor or even diagnose lymphoedema using the provided framework. Such metrics provide more detailed information to a lymphoedema specialist than solely volume. Although tested on a small cohort, these results show promise for further research into better diagnostics of lymphoedema and for future adoption of the proposed methods across lymphoedema clinics.

Ultrastructural studies of the neurovascular unit reveal enhanced endothelial transcytosis in hyperglycemia‐enhanced hemorrhagic transformation after stroke

“…TEM micrographs of brain capillaries were collected from the ipsilateral (ischemic) striatum and quantitatively analyzed using ImageJ software (version 1.43b, NIH, USA). Lumen circularity was calculated using the circularity function in ImageJ software (version 1.43b, NIH, USA), whereby a value of 1 indicates a perfect circle 21,32 . The length of a tight junction was measured from its starting point to endpoint.…”

Use of technology to facilitate a prospective surveillance program for breast cancer-related lymphedema at the Massachusetts General Hospital

“…3D depth-sensing imaging has been established as a novel tool to screen for BCRL (75)(76)(77)(78). One method of 3D imaging, stereophotogrammetry, uses a 5-pod setup of 15 cameras to capture visual information from the entire arm, capturing the lower and upper arm separately (75).…”

“…In a follow-up study by Hoevenaren et al, 3D stereophotogrammetry was validated as an accurate and reliable tool to detect BCRL in the affected hand (76). Furthermore, 3D imaging has been developed to reliably characterize segmental swelling by capturing the shape information, such as circumference and circularity, which accounts for a change in volume of the upper limbs of BCRL patients (78).…”

“…Furthermore, investing in telehealth and provision of a tool that is both portable and affordable could revolutionize screening and management of BCRL. 3D imaging technology (75)(76)(77)(78), made available through an augmented mobile device, supplemented with high-quality, patient-centered educational material, could help bridge gaps in the continuum of care (90,96). In a 2016 study, Fu et al described the development of The-Optimal-Lymph-Flow health IT system (TOLF), a patient-centered mobile interface focused on education and self-care habits, that can collect self-reported symptoms data via the BCLE-SEI with high reliability and validity (90,96).…”

Can 3D Camera Imaging Provide Improved Information to Assess and Manage Lymphoedema in Clinical Practice?

“…to capture limb volumes and limb volume differences (Levenhagen, Davies, Perdomo, Ryans, & Gilchrist, 2017). Studies indicate that 3DCI could be used to assess limb shape, which may aid in the diagnosis of lymphoedema (Karakashian, Shaban, Pike, & van Loon, 2018).…”