Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
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.
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]
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.
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.
Acute limb ischaemia (ALI) occurs when there is a sudden lack of blood flow to a limb [1] within 14 days of symptoms onset. [2] On the other hand, when the symptoms exceed 14 days, [ 3 ] it is called critical limb ischemia (CLI).
Patients with upper-extremity DVT may develop upper-extremity PTS, but the incidence is lower than that for lower-extremity PTS (15–25%). [22] [23] No treatment or prevention methods are established, but patients with upper-extremity PTS may wear a compression sleeve for persistent symptoms. [20]
Elephantiasis, often incorrectly called elephantitis, is the enlargement and hardening of limbs or body parts due to tissue swelling . [1] [2] It is characterised by edema, hypertrophy, and fibrosis of skin and subcutaneous tissues, due to obstruction of lymphatic vessels . [2] It may affect the genitalia. [2]