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 conditions are:
- Lymphedema is "edema due to obstruction of lymph vessels or disorders of the lymph nodes.[2]
- 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."[3]
Extreme cases of edema are called anasarca.
Etiology/cause
- Heart failure
- Cirrhosis
- Protein-energy malnutrition including Kwashiorkor and marasmus
- Acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease
- Obesity
- Medications
Diagnosis
Physical examination
On physical examination, slower recovery of pitting is associated with lower serum albumin levels.[4] If the pit appears to resolve within 2-3 seconds,
References
- ↑ Anonymous (2025), Edema (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- ↑ Anonymous (2025), Lymphedema (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- ↑ Anonymous (2025), Myxedema (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- ↑ 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]