Bilateral Leg Swelling Ddx
Idiopathic edema is a diagnosis of exclusion.
Bilateral leg swelling ddx. Chronic bilateral lower extremity edema likely secondary to chronic venous insufficiency perhaps related to osa given ultrasound findings of pulsatile flow in eiv s. Idiopathic pedal edema need not to be treated with diuretics. Leg swelling caused by the retention of fluid in leg tissues is known as peripheral edema. 51m with htn dm etoh abuse presenting with lower extremity edema.
The following diagnoses were found. A variety of clinical conditions are associated with the development of edema including heart failure cirrhosis and the nephrotic syndrome as well as local conditions. Leg swelling isn t always a sign of a heart or circulation problem. Cellulitis and metastatic abscesses by staphylococcus aureus bacteremia inter muscular hematoma through femoral muscle injury venous insufficiency caused by ureteral cancer.
The diagnosis can be narrowed by categorizing the edema according to its duration acute or chronic distribution unilateral or bilateral and accompanying symptoms such as dyspnea pain thickening of skin and pigmentation. Bilateral or generalized swelling suggests a systemic cause such as chf especially right sided pulmonary hypertension chronic renal or hepatic disease causing hypoalbuminemia protein losing. Edema is defined as a palpable swelling produced by expansion of the interstitial fluid volume. Other disease process including heart failure cirrhosis acute renal failure nephrotic syndrome chronic venous insufficiency and medication induced edema must first be considered.
Existence of the excess fluid in the lower extremity resulting in swelling of the feet and extending upward further classified as pitting depress able and non pitting. It can be caused by a problem with the venous circulation system the lymphatic system or the kidneys. No evidence of heart failure on exam and normal bnp no stigmata of cirrhosis and normal albumin normal creatinine. Leg edema is a common problem in older patients with a wide range of possible causes.