Oedema of lower extremities, differential diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Lower limbs swelling is a common reason of visiting a medical specialist. Oedema is caused by imbalance of fluid exchange between capillary and interstitial department.

Differential diagnosis is broad and includes both nonemergent and emergent conditions. Adequate therapy should always be preceded by identifying appropriate cause.

Keywords

• oedema
• differential diagnosis
• chronic venous insufficiency
• lymphoedema
• myxoedema
• lipoedema
• benign symmetric lipomatosis