Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Edema (American English), also spelled oedema (British English), and also known as fluid retention, dropsy and hydropsy, is the build-up of fluid in the body's tissue, [1] a type of swelling. [4] Most commonly, the legs or arms are affected. [1] Symptoms may include skin that feels tight, the area feeling heavy, and joint stiffness. [1]
Peripheral edema is edema (accumulation of fluid causing swelling) in tissues perfused by the peripheral vascular system, usually in the lower limbs. In the most dependent parts of the body (those hanging distally ), it may be called dependent edema.
As a part of the initial work-up before diagnosing lymphedema, it may be necessary to exclude other potential causes of lower extremity swelling such as kidney failure, hypoalbuminemia, congestive heart-failure, protein-losing kidney disease, pulmonary hypertension, obesity, pregnancy and drug-induced edema. [citation needed]
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a medical condition characterized by blood pooling in the veins, leading to increased pressure and strain on the vein walls. [1] The most common cause of CVI is superficial venous reflux, which often results in the formation of varicose veins, a treatable condition. [2]
This leads to fluid-induced swelling of the extremities known as edema, build-up of fluid in the abdomen known as ascites, and fluid surrounding internal organs known as effusions. Patients also present with nonspecific findings such as fatigue and excessive weakness. Muehrcke's lines are a strong indicator of hypoalbuminemia. [2]
Edema of the lower extremities (peripheral edema), caused by an increase in the venous blood pressure. Tachycardia. This is caused by the decreased preload and subsequent decreased cardiac output, and leads to a compensatory heart rate increase. In pregnant women, signs of fetal hypoxia and distress may be seen in the cardiotocography.
The symptoms of TACO can include shortness of breath , low blood oxygen levels , leg swelling (peripheral edema), high blood pressure (hypertension), and a high heart rate (tachycardia). [ 3 ] It can occur due to a rapid transfusion of a large volume of blood but can also occur during a single red blood cell transfusion (about 15% of cases). [ 2 ]
Patients present with an acute onset of swelling, pain, erythema, prominent tenderness, warmness and limited range of motion in both ankles. [1] [2] Lower legs and heels may also be involved, however the distal parts of feet and toes are usually spared. Patients may also experience high-graded fever, pitting edema and hypotension.