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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]
Lymphedema can occur in both the upper and lower extremities, and in some cases, the head and neck. Assessment of the extremities first begins with a visual inspection; color, presence of hair, visible veins, size and any sores or ulcerations are noted. Lack of hair may indicate an arterial circulation problem. [34]
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.
Edema may be described as pitting edema, or non-pitting edema. [32] Pitting edema is when, after pressure is applied to a small area, the indentation persists after the release of the pressure. Peripheral pitting edema, as shown in the illustration, is the more common type, resulting from water retention.
If the impaired vein function causes significant symptoms, such as swelling and ulcer formation, it is referred to as chronic venous disease. [3] It is sometimes called chronic peripheral venous insufficiency and should not be confused with post-thrombotic syndrome in which the deep veins have been damaged by previous deep vein thrombosis.
Other factors which may point to a diagnosis of critical limb ischemia are a Buerger's angle of less than 20 degrees during Buerger's test, a capillary refill of more than 15 seconds or diminished or absent pulses. [citation needed] Critical limb ischemia is different from acute limb ischemia. Acute limb ischemia is a sudden lack of blood flow ...
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 ]
Myxedema's characteristic physical sign is non-pitting edema, in contrast to pitting edema. [1] Myxedema can also occur in the lower leg (pretibial myxedema) and behind the eyes (exophthalmos). [citation needed] Severe cases, requiring hospitalization can exhibit signs of hypothermia, hypoglycemia, hypotension, respiratory depression, and coma.