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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.
Since functional venous valves are necessary to facilitate efficient blood return from the lower extremities, CVI primarily affects the legs. When impaired vein function leads to significant symptoms such as oedema (swelling) or venous ulcer formation, the condition is referred to as chronic venous disease. [3]
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.
Aching, heavy legs [10] [11] Appearance of spider veins (telangiectasia) in the affected leg; Ankle swelling [10] [11] A brownish-yellow shiny skin discoloration near the affected veins; Redness, dryness, and itchiness of areas of skin, termed stasis dermatitis or venous eczema [11] Muscle cramps when making sudden movements, such as standing ...
Anasarca is a diagnosis made clinically and differentiated from edema by extent of body involvement and severity. Whereas edema is usually graded on a mild/moderate/severe scale and usually affects one or two regions of the body, anasarca affects the entire body and is the most severe form of edema, with subcutaneous tissue swelling from head to feet.
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).