Edema

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In medicine, edema is "abnormal fluid accumulation in tissues or body cavities. Most cases of edema are present under the skin in subcutaneous tissue."[1]

Similar terms are:

  • Angioedema is "swelling involving the deep dermis, subcutaneous, or submucosal tissues, representing localized edema. Angioedema often occurs in the face, lips, tongue, and larynx."[2]
  • Lymphedema is "edema due to obstruction of lymph vessels or disorders of the lymph nodes.[3]
  • Myxedema is a "condition characterized by a dry, waxy type of swelling (edema) with abnormal deposits of mucopolysaccharides in the skin and other tissues. It is caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormones. The skin becomes puffy around the eyes and on the cheeks. The face is dull and expressionless with thickened nose and lips."[4]

Extreme cases of edema are called anasarca.

Etiology/cause

Diagnosis

Physical examination

On physical examination, fast recovery of pitting is associated with lower serum albumin levels.[8] Fast recovery within 2-3 seconds, is more sensitive than specific at detecting hypoalbuminemia. Presumably this is related to the viscosity of the interstitial fluid thus hypoalbuminemic interstitial fluid can reform more quickly.[8]

References

  1. Anonymous (2024), Edema (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  2. Anonymous (2024), Angioedema (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  3. Anonymous (2024), Lymphedema (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  4. Anonymous (2024), Myxedema (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  5. Fife CE, Carter MJ (January 2008). "Lymphedema in the morbidly obese patient: unique challenges in a unique population". Ostomy/wound management 54 (1): 44–56. PMID 18250486[e]
  6. Blankfield RP, Hudgel DW, Tapolyai AA, Zyzanski SJ (2000). "Bilateral leg edema, obesity, pulmonary hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea". Archives of internal medicine 160 (15): 2357–62. PMID 10927734[e]
  7. Blankfield RP, Zyzanski SJ (June 2002). "Bilateral leg edema, pulmonary hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea: a cross-sectional study". The Journal of family practice 51 (6): 561–4. PMID 12100781[e]
  8. 8.0 8.1 Henry JA, Altmann P (April 1978). "Assessment of hypoproteinaemic oedema: a simple physical sign". British medical journal 1 (6117): 890–1. PMID 638510. PMC 1603695[e]