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Diseases » Edema » Causes

Causes of Edema



Contents

List of causes of Edema

Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Edema) that could possibly cause Edema includes:

More causes: see full list of causes for Edema

Causes of Edema (Diseases Database):

The follow list shows some of the possible medical causes of Edema that are listed by the Diseases Database:

Source: Diseases Database

Causes of Edema: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Edema.

Periorbital Edema: Differential Diagnosis
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Conjunctivitis
  • Allergy
    –Systemic (e.g., reaction to medication, urticaria/angioedema)
    –Local (e.g., insect bite)
  • Contact dermatitis/dermatitis medicamentosa
  • Chalazion
    –Zeis or Meibomian gland obstruction of eyelid
  • Orbital disease (see “Proptosis/Exophthalmos” entry)
  • Preseptal/periorbital cellulitis
  • Acute dacryocystitis (infection of the lacrimal ducts)
  • Orbital fat herniation through attenuated or dehiscent orbital septum and/or orbicularis oculi muscle (aging changes)
  • Herpes simplex/zoster
  • Blepharitis/dermatitis
  • Trauma/postsurgical (e.g., orbital fracture)
  • Dermatomyositis/polymyositis
    –Associated with a heliotropic (violet colored) rash on the upper eyelids
  • Chemical, ultraviolet, or thermal burn
  • Cardiac failure (generalized edema)
  • Renal failure
  • Nephrotic syndrome
  • Blepharitis/rosacea
  • Dacryoadenitis
  • Hypothyroidism
    –Associated with fatigue, pretibial edema, and delayed relaxation of reflexes
  • Superior vena cava syndrome
  • Sebaceous gland carcinoma
  • Squamous or basal cell carcinoma
  • Discoid lupus
  • Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (symblepharon)

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Peripheral Edema: Differential Diagnosis
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Venous insufficiency
    –Caused by incompetent venous valves
    –Skin characteristically has superficial varicose veins associated with a reddish-brown pretibial discoloration (“venous stasis skin changes”)
    –Swelling is typically worse after legs are held in a dependent position and is least noticeable after a night's sleep
  • Congestive heart failure
    –Associated with pitting peripheral edema
    –Other signs of heart failure include a third heart sound, cardiomegaly, and hepatomegaly
  • Cellulitis
    –Usually unilateral
    –Edematous legs are typically red, warm, and inflamed
    –The patient may exhibit signs of systemic toxicity with fever and leukocytosis
    • Deep venous thrombosis
      –Typically unilateral swelling
      –May exhibit a palpable cord representing a thrombosed vein
      –Homan's sign (pain in the calf with passive dorsiflexion of the foot)
      –Virchow's triad (hypercoagulable states, venous stasis, and vessel injury) are risk factors
    • Cirrhosis
      –Advanced liver disease results in hypoalbuminemia and poor venous return through cirrhotic liver tissue
      –Other stigmata of chronic liver disease include caput medusae, ascites, and spider angiomata
    • Nephrotic syndrome
      –Glomerular damage results in protein loss and decreased oncotic pressure
    • Less common etiologies (“zebras”) include filariasis (lymphatic infection by Wuchereria bancrofti worm), myxedema (seen in patients with severe hypothyroidism), Milroy's disease (congenital lymphedema), chronic lymphedema (e.g., lymphatic damage due to surgery, such as vein harvesting for CABG), and gout

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Edema: Differential Diagnosis
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

    • Kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome)
      –Insidious onset, periorbital and lower extremity edema, abdominal distension
      –Various types include minimal change disease (MCNS), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, acute and chronic glomerulonephritis
  • Chronic renal failure from any cause may result in impaired fluid excretion
  • Liver disease from any cause resulting in impaired production of albumin
  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)
    • Protein losing enteropathy
      –Menetrier disease (typically CMV), inflammatory bowel disease, neuroblastoma, intestinal lymphangiectasia, trypsinogen deficiency
  • Celiac disease
  • Sepsis, with capillary leak (movement of fluid out of the blood vessels into the interstitium)
  • Hereditary angioneurotic edema
    –Intermittent swelling of extremities
    –Often preceded by trauma
    –Decreased C4 and C1 esterase inhibitor
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • Vitamin E deficiency
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Severe malnutrition
    –Marasmus (calorie deficiency)
    –Kwashiorkor (protein deficiency)
  • Zinc deficiency
  • Hydrops fetalis
  • Impaired lymphatic drainage
    –Milroy disease
    –Meigs syndrome
    –Yellow nail syndrome
    –Lymphedema praecox
  • Filariasis (nematode infection resulting in elephantiasis)
  • Immobility including placement of body casts and paralysis

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Periorbital Edema: Differential Diagnosis
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

  • Periorbital cellulitis
    –Also described as preseptal cellulitis (infection is anterior to the orbital septum and thus does not affect the orbit or globe)
    –Usual pathogens are streptococcal species, Staphylococcus aureus, and Haemophilus influenzae
  • Orbital cellulitis
    –Also described as postseptal and affects the preseptal structures as well as the extraocular muscles and the optic nerve
    –Bacterial pathogens are the same as periorbital cellulitis and may reflect direct spread
    –May be accompanied by orbital abscess and may spread via the sinuses to the brain
  • Other infections
    –Conjunctivitis
    –Sinusitis
    –Dental abscess
  • Allergic reaction
    –Conjunctivitis
    –Urticaria/angioedema
    –Drug reaction
  • Local ocular causes
    –Insect bites
    –Contact dermatitis
    –Trauma
    –Foreign body
  • Systemic disorders with generalized edema
    –Hypoproteinemia
    –Renal disease
    –Congestive heart failure
  • Malignancy
    –Neuroblastomas: Associated with ecchymoses, “raccoon eyes,” and proptosis
    –Leukemia: Associated with fever, fatigue, anemia, bone pain, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly

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Scrotal Swelling: Differential Diagnosis
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

  • Hydrocele
    –Fluid surrounding the testicle
    –Typically seen in infancy
    –Results from remnant of testicular descent from the abdomen through the inguinal canal into the scrotum
    –May be communicating or noncommunicating; communicating hydroceles have retained patency of the tract of descent, and noncommunicating hydroceles do not
    –Communicating hydroceles may be reducible and are likely to fluctuate in size depending on the amount of fluid within the scrotal sac; crying or any increase in intra-abdominal pressure results in an increase in size
    –Usually is noncommunicating; i.e., not reducible, and does not change in size with crying
    –Testes may be difficult to palpate because surrounded by the hydrocele
  • Hernia
    –Protrusion of a loop of bowel into the scrotum
    –Direct hernias represent a channel directly through the musculature of the pelvic floor; indirect hernias have proceeded through the inguinal canal
    –Usually painless unless incarcerated
    –Usually reducible and changes in size with changes in intra-abdominal pressure
    –Testes usually palpable below the hernia
    • Varicocele
      –A collection of dilated veins in the scrotum
      –Usually painless, but patients may complain of heaviness
    • Edema
      –Generalized edema often is accompanied by scrotal edema
    • Tumor
      –Presents as painless nodule on testes
      –May be accompanied by sexual precocity or gynecomastia secondary to hormone production by the tumor
  • Leukemia
    –Patients may present with unilateral scrotal swelling (common site for relapse)

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Edema, generalized: Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

Angioneurotic edema or angioedema

Recurrent attacks of acute, painless, nonpitting edema involving the skin and mucous membranes — especially those of the respiratory tract, face, neck, lips, larynx, hands, feet, genitalia, or viscera — may be the result of a food or drug allergy or emotional stress or they may be hereditary. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea accompany visceral edema; dyspnea and stridor accompany life-threatening laryngeal edema.

Burns

Edema and associated tissue damage vary with the severity of the burn. Severe generalized edema (4+) may occur within 2 days of a major burn; localized edema may occur with a less severe burn.

Heart failure

Severe, generalized pitting edema — occasionally ana-
sarca — may follow leg edema late in this disorder. The edema may improve with exercise or elevation of the limbs and is typically worse at the end of the day. Among other classic late findings are hemoptysis, cyanosis, marked hepatomegaly, clubbing, crackles, and a ventricular gallop. Typically, the patient has tachypnea, palpitations, hypotension, weight gain despite anorexia, nausea, a slowed mental response, diaphoresis, and pallor. Dyspnea, orthopnea, tachycardia, and fatigue typify left-sided heart failure; jugular vein distention, enlarged liver, and peripheral edema typify right-sided heart failure.

Malnutrition

Anasarca in malnutrition may mask dramatic muscle wasting. Malnutrition also typically causes muscle weakness; lethargy; anorexia; diarrhea; apathy; dry, wrinkled skin; and signs of anemia, such as dizziness and pallor.

Myxedema

With myxedema, which is a severe form of hypothyroidism, generalized nonpitting edema is accompanied by dry, flaky, inelastic, waxy, pale skin; a puffy face; and an upper eyelid droop. Observation also reveals masklike facies, hair loss or coarsening, and psychomotor slowing. Associated findings include hoarseness, weight gain, fatigue, cold intolerance, bradycardia, hypoventilation, constipation, abdominal distention, menorrhagia, impotence, and infertility.

Nephrotic syndrome

Although nephroticsyndrome is characterized by generalized pitting edema, it's initially localized around the eyes. With severe cases, anasarca develops, increasing body weight by up to 50%. Other common signs and symptoms are ascites, anorexia, fatigue, malaise, depression, and pallor.

Pericardial effusion

With pericardial effusion, generalized pitting edema may be most prominent in the arms and legs. It may be accompanied by chest pain, dyspnea, orthopnea, a nonproductive cough, a pericardial friction rub, jugular vein distention, dysphagia, and a fever.

Pericarditis (chronic constructive)

Resembling right-sided heart failure, pericarditisusually begins with pitting edema of the arms and legs that may progress to generalized edema. Other signs and symptoms include ascites, Kussmaul's sign, dyspnea, fatigue, weakness, abdominal distention, and hepatomegaly.

Renal failure

With acute renal failure, generalized pitting edema occurs as a late sign. With chronic renal failure, edema is less likely to become generalized; its severity depends on the degree of fluid overload. Both forms of renal failure cause oliguria, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, hypertension, dyspnea, crackles, dizziness, and pallor.

Other causes

Drugs

Any drug that causes sodium retention may aggravate or cause generalized edema. Examples include antihypertensives, corticosteroids, androgenic and anabolic steroids, estrogens, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as phenylbutazone, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Treatments

I.V. saline solution infusions and internal feedings may cause sodium and fluid overload, resulting in generalized edema, especially in patients with cardiac or renal disease.

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Edema of the arm: Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

Angioneurotic edema

Angioneurotic edema is a common reaction that's characterized by the sudden onset of painless, nonpruritic edema affecting the hands, feet, eyelids, lips, face, neck, genitalia, or viscera. Although swelling usually doesn't itch, it may burn and tingle. If edema spreads to the larynx, signs of respiratory distress may occur

Arm trauma

Shortly after a crush injury, severe edema may affect the entire arm. Ecchymoses or superficial bleeding, pain or numbness, and paralysis may occur.

Burns

Twodays or less after injury, arm burns may cause mild to severe edema, pain, and tissue damage.

Envenomation

Envenomation by snakes, aquatic animals, or insects initially may cause edema around the bite or sting that quickly spreads to the entire arm. Pain, erythema, and pruritus at the site are common; paresthesia occurs occasionally. Later, the patient may develop generalized signs and symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, muscle cramps, a fever, chills, hypotension, a headache and, in severe cases, dyspnea, seizures, and paralysis.

Superior vena cava syndrome

Bilateral arm edema usually progresses slowly and is accompanied by facial and neck edema. Dilated veins mark these edematous areas. The patient also complains of a headache, vertigo, and vision disturbances.

Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis, which can result from peripherally inserted central catheters and arm portocaths, may cause arm edema, pain, and warmth. Deep vein thrombophlebitis can also produce cyanosis, a fever, chills, and malaise; superficial thrombophlebitis alsocauses redness, tenderness, and induration along the vein.

Other causes

Treatments

Localized arm edema may result from infiltration of I.V. fluid into the interstitial tissue. A radical or modified radical mastectomy that disrupts lymphatic drainage may cause edema of the entire arm, as can axillary lymph node dissection. Also, radiation therapy for breast cancer may produce arm edema immediately after treatment or months later.

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Edema of the leg: Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

Burns

Two days or less after injury, leg burns may cause mild to severe edema, pain, and tissue damage.

Cellulitis

Pitting edema and orange peel skin are caused by a streptococcal or staphylococcal infection that most commonly occurs in the lower extremities. Cellulitis is also associated with erythema, warmth, and tenderness in the infected area.

Envenomation

Mild to severe localized edema may develop suddenly at the site of a bite or sting, along with erythema, pain, urticaria, pruritus, and a burning sensation.

Heart failure

Bilateral leg edema is an early sign of right-sided heart failure. Other signs and symptoms include weight gain despite anorexia, nausea, chest tightness, hypotension, pallor, tachypnea, exertional dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, palpitations, a ventricular gallop, and inspiratory crackles. Pitting ankle edema, hepatomegaly, hemoptysis, and cyanosis signal more advanced heart failure.

Leg trauma

Mild to severe localized edema may form around the trauma site.

Osteomyelitis

When osteomyelitis — a bone infection — affects the lower leg, it usually produces localized, mild to moderate edema, which may spread to the adjacent joint. Edema typically follows a fever, localized tenderness, and pain that increases with leg movement.

Thrombophlebitis

Deep and superficial vein thrombosis may cause unilateral mild to moderate edema. Deep vein thrombophlebitis may be asymptomatic or may cause mild to severe pain, warmth, and cyanosis in the affected leg as well as a fever, chills, and malaise. Superficial thrombophlebitis typically causes pain, warmth, redness, tenderness, and induration along the affected vein.

Venous insufficiency (chronic)

Moderate to severe, unilateral or bilateral leg edema occurs in patients with venous insufficiency. Initially, the edema is soft and pitting; later, it becomes hard as tissues thicken. Other signs include darkened skin and painless, easily infected stasis ulcers around the ankle. Venous insufficiency generally occurs in females.

Other causes

Diagnostic tests

Venography is a rare cause of leg edema.

Coronary artery bypass surgery

Unilateral venous insufficiency may follow saphenous vein retrieval.

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Scrotal swelling: Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

Epididymal cysts

Located in the head of the epididymis, epididymal cysts produce painless scrotal swelling.

Epididymitis

Key features of inflammation are pain, extreme tenderness, and swelling in the groin and scrotum. The patient waddles to avoid pressure on the groin and scrotum during walking. He may have a high fever, malaise, an urethral discharge and cloudy urine, and lower abdominal pain on the affected side. His scrotal skin may be hot, red, dry, flaky, and thin.

Hydrocele

Fluid accumulation produces gradual scrotal swelling that’s usually painless. The scrotum may be soft and cystic or firm and tense. Palpation reveals a round, nontender scrotal mass.

Idiopathic scrotal edema

Swelling occurs quickly with idiopathic scrotal edema and usually disappears within 24 hours. The affected testicle is pink.

Orchitis (acute)

Mumps, syphilis, or tuberculosis may precipitate orchitis, which causes sudden painful swelling of one or, at times, both testicles. Related findings include a hot, reddened scrotum; a fever of up to 104° F (40° C); chills; lower abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; and extreme weakness. Urinary signs are usually absent.

Scrotal trauma

Blunt trauma causes scrotal swelling with bruising and severe pain. The scrotum may appear dark or bluish.

Spermatocele

Spermatocele is a usually painless cystic mass that lies above and behind the testicle and contains opaque fluid and sperm. Its onset may be acute or gradual. Less than 1 cm in diameter, it’s movable and may be transilluminated.

Testicular torsion

Most common before puberty, testicular torsion is a urologic emergency that causes scrotal swelling; sudden, severe pain; and, possibly, elevation of the affected testicle within the scrotum. It may also cause nausea and vomiting.

Testicular tumor

Typically painless, smooth, and firm, a testicular tumor produces swelling and a sensation of excessive weight in the scrotum.

Torsion of a hydatid of Morgagni

Torsion of this small, pea-sized cyst severs its blood supply, causing a hard, painful swelling on the testicle’s upper pole.

Other causes

Surgery

An effusion of blood from surgery can produce a hematocele, leading to scrotal swelling.

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Pulmonary edema: Causes
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Pulmonary edema usually results from left-sided heart failure due to arteriosclerotic, hypertensive, cardiomyopathic, or valvular cardiac disease. In such disorders, the compromised left ventricle in unable to maintain adequate cardiac output; increased pressures are transmitted to the left atrium, pulmonary veins, and pulmonary capillary bed. This increased pulmonary capillary hydrostatic force promotes transudation of intravascular fluids into the pulmonary interstitium, decreasing lung compliance and interfering with gas exchange. Other factors that may predispose the patient to pulmonary edema include:

❑ excessive infusion of I.V. fluids

❑ decreased serum colloid osmotic pressure as a result of nephrosis, protein-losing enteropathy, extensive burns, hepatic disease, or nutritional deficiency

❑ impaired lung lymphatic drainage from Hodgkin’s disease or obliterative lymphangitis after radiation

❑ mitral stenosis, which impairs left atrial emptying

❑ pulmonary veno-occlusive disease.

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Edema, generalized: Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Angioneurotic edema or angioedema

Recurrent attacks of acute, painless, nonpitting edema involving the skin and mucous membranes—especially those of the respiratory tract, face, neck, lips, larynx, hands, feet, genitalia, or viscera—may be the result of a food or drug allergy or emotional stress, or they may be hereditary. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea accompany visceral edema; dyspnea and stridor accompany life-threatening laryngeal edema.

Burns

Edema and associated tissue damage vary with the severity of the burn. Severe generalized edema (4+) may occur within 2 days of a major burn; localized edema may occur with a less severe burn.

Cirrhosis

A late sign of chronic cirrhosis, edema usually starts in the legs and thighs and may progress to anasarca. Accompanying signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, hepatomegaly, ascites, jaundice, pruritus, bleeding tendencies, musty breath, lethargy, mental changes, and asterixis.

Heart failure

Severe, generalized pitting edema—occasionally anasarca—may follow leg edema late in heart failure. The edema may improve with exercise or elevation of the limbs and is typically worse at the end of the day. Among other classic late findings are hemoptysis, cyanosis, marked hepatomegaly, clubbing, crackles, and a ventricular gallop. Typically, the patient has tachypnea, palpitations, hypotension, weight gain despite anorexia, nausea, slowed mental response, diaphoresis, and pallor. Dyspnea, orthopnea, tachycardia, and fatigue typify left-sided heart failure; jugular vein distention, hepatomegaly, and peripheral edema typify right-sided heart failure.

Malnutrition

Anasarca in this disorder may mask dramatic muscle wasting. Malnutrition also typically causes muscle weakness; lethargy; anorexia; diarrhea; apathy; dry, wrinkled skin; and signs of anemia, such as dizziness and pallor.

Myxedema

In this severe form of hypothyroidism, generalized nonpitting edema is accompanied by dry, flaky, inelastic, waxy, pale skin; a puffy face; and an upper eyelid droop. Observation also reveals masklike facies, hair loss or coarsening, and psychomotor slowing. Associated findings include hoarseness, weight gain, fatigue, cold intolerance, bradycardia, hypoventilation, constipation, abdominal distention, menorrhagia, impotence, and infertility.

Nephrotic syndrome

Although nephrotic syndrome is characterized by generalized pitting edema, the edema is initially localized around the eyes. Anasarca develops in severe cases, increasing body weight by up to 50%. Other common signs and symptoms are ascites, anorexia, fatigue, malaise, depression, and pallor.

Pericardial effusion

In pericardial effusion, generalized pitting edema may be most prominent in the arms and legs. It may be accompanied by chest pain, dyspnea, orthopnea, a nonproductive cough, pericardial friction rub, jugular vein distention, dysphagia, and fever.

Pericarditis (chronic constructive)

Like right-sided heart failure, this disorder usually begins with pitting edema of the arms and legs that may progress to generalized edema. Other signs and symptoms include ascites, Kussmaul’s sign, dyspnea, fatigue, weakness, abdominal distention, and hepatomegaly.

Protein-losing enteropathy

Increased albumin levels lead to progressive generalized pitting edema in this disorder. The patient may also have a mild fever and abdominal pain with bloody diarrhea and steatorrhea.

Renal failure

Generalized pitting edema is a late sign of acute renal failure. In chronic failure, edema is less likely to become generalized; its severity depends on the degree of fluid overload. Both forms of renal failure cause oliguria, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, hypertension, dyspnea, crackles, dizziness, and pallor.

Septic shock

A late sign of this life-threatening disorder, generalized edema typically develops rapidly. The edema is pitting and moderately severe. Accompanying it may be cool skin, hypotension, oliguria, tachycardia, cyanosis, thirst, anxiety, and signs of respiratory failure.

Other causes

Drugs

Any drug that causes sodium retention may aggravate or cause generalized edema. Examples include antihypertensives, corticosteroids, androgenic and anabolic steroids, estrogens, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

Treatments

I.V. saline solution infusions and internal feedings may cause sodium and fluid overload, resulting in generalized edema, especially in patients with cardiac or renal disease.

READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Edema of the arm: Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Angioneurotic edema

Angioneurotic edema is a common reaction that’s characterized by sudden onset of painless, nonpruritic edema in the hands, feet, eyelids, lips, face, neck, genitalia, or viscera. Although these swellings usually don’t itch, they may burn and tingle. If edema spreads to the larynx, signs of respiratory distress may occur.

Arm trauma

Shortly after a crush injury, severe edema may affect the entire arm. It may be accompanied by ecchymoses or superficial bleeding, pain or numbness, and paralysis.

Burns

Mild to severe edema, pain, and tissue damage may occur up to 2 days after an arm burn.

Superior vena cava syndrome

Bilateral arm edema usually progresses slowly in this disorder and is accompanied by facial and neck edema. Dilated veins mark these edematous areas. The patient also complains of headache, vertigo, and vision disturbances.

Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis, which can result from peripherally inserted central catheters or arm portacaths, may cause arm edema, pain, and warmth. Deep vein thrombophlebitis can also produce cyanosis, fever, chills, and malaise; superficial thrombophlebitis also causes redness, tenderness, and induration along the vein.

Other causes

Envenomation

Envenomation by snakes, aquatic animals, or insects initially may cause edema around the bite or sting that quickly spreads to the entire arm. Pain, erythema, and pruritus at the site are common; paresthesia occurs occasionally. Later, the patient may develop generalized signs and symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, muscle cramps, fever, chills, hypotension, headache and, in severe cases, dyspnea, seizures, and paralysis.

Treatments

Localized arm edema may result from infiltration of I.V. fluid into the interstitial tissue. A radical or modified radical mastectomy that disrupts lymphatic drainage may cause edema of the entire arm, as can axillary lymph node dissection. Also, radiation therapy for breast cancer may produce arm edema immediately after treatment or months later.

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Edema of the face: Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Abscess, periodontal

This type of abscess, which usually results from poor oral hygiene, is commonly caused by anaerobic organisms. It can cause edema of the side of the face, pain, warmth, erythema, and a purulent discharge around the affected tooth.

Abscess, peritonsillar

This complication of tonsillitis may cause unilateral facial edema. Other key signs and symptoms include severe throat pain, neck swelling, drooling, cervical adenopathy, fever, chills, and malaise.

Allergic reaction

Facial edema may characterize both a local allergic reaction and anaphylaxis. A local reaction produces facial edema, erythema, and urticaria. In life-threatening anaphylaxis, angioneurotic facial edema may occur with urticaria and flushing. (See Recognizing angioneurotic edema.) Airway edema causes hoarseness, stridor, and bronchospasm with dyspnea and tachypnea. Signs of shock, such as hypotension and cool, clammy skin, may also occur.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis

Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare but serious disorder that may begin with unilateral edema that quickly progresses to bilateral edema of the forehead, base of the nose, and eyelids. It may also produce chills, fever, headache, nausea, lethargy, exophthalmos, and eye pain.

Chalazion

A chalazion causes localized swelling and tenderness of the affected eyelid, accompanied by a small red lump on the conjunctival surface.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation that causes eyelid edema, excessive tearing, and itchy, burning eyes. Inspection reveals a thick purulent discharge, crusty eyelids, and conjunctival injection. Corneal involvement causes photophobia and pain.

Corneal ulcers, fungal

Accompanying red, edematous eyelids in this disorder are conjunctival injection, intense pain, photophobia, and severely impaired visual acuity. Copious amounts of a purulent eye discharge make the eyelids sticky and crusted. The characteristic dense, central ulcer grows slowly, is whitish gray, and is surrounded by progressively clearer rings.

Dacryoadenitis

Severe periorbital swelling characterizes dacryoadenitis, which may also cause conjunctival injection, a purulent discharge, and temporal pain.

Dacryocystitis

Lacrimal sac inflammation causes prominent eyelid edema and constant tearing. In acute cases, pain and tenderness near the tear sac accompany a purulent discharge.

Dermatomyositis

Periorbital edema and a heliotropic rash develop gradually in this rare disease. An itchy, lilac-colored rash appears on the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and forehead. Localized or diffuse erythema, eye pain, and fever may also occur.

Facial burns

Burns may cause extensive edema that impairs respiration. Additional findings include singed nasal hairs, red mucosa, sooty sputum, and signs of respiratory distress such as inspiratory stridor.

Facial trauma

The extent of edema varies with the type of injury. For example, a contusion may cause localized edema, whereas a nasal or maxillary fracture causes more generalized edema. Associated features also depend on the type of injury.

Frontal sinus cancer

This rare form of cancer causes cheek edema on the affected side, reddened skin over the sinus, unilateral nasal bleeding or discharge, and exophthalmos. Pain over the forehead and unilateral hypoesthesia or anesthesia may occur later.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (shingles)

In herpes zoster ophthalmicus, edematous and red eyelids are usually accompanied by excessive tearing and a serous discharge. Severe unilateral facial pain may occur several days before vesicles erupt.

Hordeolum (stye)

Typically, a hordeolum produces localized eyelid edema, erythema, and pain.

Malnutrition

Severe malnutrition causes facial edema followed by swelling of the feet and legs. Associated signs and symptoms include muscle atrophy and weakness; anorexia; diarrhea; lethargy; dry, wrinkled skin; sparse, brittle, easily plucked hair; and decreased pulse and respiratory rates.

Melkersson’s syndrome

Facial edema (especially of the lips), facial paralysis, and folds in the tongue are the three characteristic signs of this rare disorder.

Myxedema

Myxedema eventually causes generalized facial edema, waxy dry skin, hair loss or coarsening, and other signs of hypothyroidism.

Nephrotic syndrome

Commonly the first sign of nephrotic syndrome, periorbital edema precedes dependent and abdominal edema. Associated findings include weight gain, nausea, anorexia, lethargy, fatigue, and pallor.

Orbital cellulitis

Sudden onset of periorbital edema marks this inflammatory disorder. It may be accompanied by a unilateral purulent discharge, hyperemia, exophthalmos, conjunctival injection, impaired extraocular movements, fever, and extreme orbital pain.

Osteomyelitis

When osteomyelitis affects the frontal bone, it may cause forehead edema as well as fever, chills, headache, and cool, pallid skin.

Preeclampsia

Edema of the face, hands, and ankles is an early sign of this disorder of pregnancy. Other characteristics include excessive weight gain, severe headache, blurred vision, hypertension, and midepigastric pain.

Rhinitis, allergic

In allergic rhinitis, red and edematous eyelids are accompanied by paroxysmal sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, and profuse, watery rhinorrhea. The patient may also develop nasal congestion, excessive tearing, headache, sinus pain, and sometimes malaise and fever.

Sinusitis

Frontal sinusitis causes edema of the forehead and eyelids. Maxillary sinusitis produces edema in the maxillary area as well as malaise, gingival swelling, and trismus. Both types are also accompanied by facial pain, fever, nasal congestion, a purulent nasal discharge, and red, swollen nasal mucosa.

Superior vena cava syndrome

Superior vena cava syndrome gradually produces facial and neck edema accompanied by thoracic or jugular vein distention. It also causes central nervous system symptoms, such as headache, vision disturbances, and vertigo.

Trachoma

In trachoma, edema affects the eyelid and conjunctiva and is accompanied by eye pain, excessive tearing, photophobia, and eye discharge. Examination reveals an inflamed preauricular node and visible conjunctival follicles.

Trichinosis

This relatively rare infectious disorder causes sudden onset of eyelid edema with fever (102° F to l04° F [38.9° C to 40° C]), conjunctivitis, muscle pain, itching and burning skin, sweating, skin lesions, and delirium.

Other causes

Diagnostic tests

An allergic reaction to contrast media used in radiologic tests may produce facial edema.

Drugs

Long-term use of glucocorticoids may produce facial edema. Any drug that causes an allergic reaction (aspirin, antipyretics, penicillin, and sulfa preparations, for example) may have the same effect.

Herb Alert

Ingestion of the fruit pulp of ginkgo biloba can cause severe erythema and edema and the rapid formation of vesicles. Feverfew and chrysanthemum parthenium can cause swelling of the lips, irritation of the tongue, and mouth ulcers. Licorice may cause facial edema and water retention or bloating, especially if used before menses.

Surgery and transfusion

Facial edema may result from cranial, nasal, or jaw surgery or from a blood transfusion that causes an allergic reaction.

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Edema of the leg: Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Burns

Mild to severe edema, pain, and tissue damage may occur up to 2 days after a leg burn.

Cellulitis

Caused by a streptococcal or staphylococcal infection that usually affects the legs, cellulitis produces pitting edema and orange peel skin along with erythema, warmth, and tenderness in the infected area.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis commonly causes bilateral edema, which is associated with ascites, jaundice, and abdominal swelling.

Heart failure

Bilateral leg edema is an early sign of right-sided heart failure. Other signs and symptoms include weight gain despite anorexia, nausea, chest tightness, hypotension, pallor, tachypnea, exertional dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, palpitations, a ventricular gallop, and inspiratory crackles. Pitting ankle edema, hepatomegaly, hemoptysis, and cyanosis signal more advanced heart failure.

Hypoproteinemia

Malnourished patients may develop bilateral leg edema secondary to decreased protein and osmotic pressures.

Leg trauma

Mild to severe localized edema may form around the trauma site.

Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is commonly seen in children and results in bilateral leg edema. It’s associated with polyuria and eyelid swelling.

Osteomyelitis

When this bone infection affects the lower leg, it usually produces localized, mild to moderate edema, which may spread to the adjacent joint. Edema typically follows fever, localized tenderness, and pain that increases with leg movement.

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens

Severe unilateral leg edema and cyanosis may spread to the abdomen and flank in this rare form of venous thrombosis. Other signs and symptoms include pain, cold skin, absent pulse in the affected leg, and signs of shock, such as hypotension and tachycardia.

Rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle

Ruptured gastrocnemius muscle can cause leg edema and often occurs in runners. Pain is usually sudden, and ecchymosis is evident on the ankles.

Rupture of a popliteal (Baker’s) cyst

A ruptured popliteal cyst can cause sudden onset of unilateral calf pain and edema, usually after walking or exercising. This type of cyst is common in patients with arthritis. It can compress vascular structures and cause severe edema and thrombophlebitis.

Thrombophlebitis

Both deep and superficial vein thrombosis may cause unilateral mild to moderate edema. Deep vein thrombophlebitis may be asymptomatic or may cause mild to severe pain, warmth, and cyanosis in the affected leg as well as fever, chills, and malaise. Superficial vein thrombophlebitis typically causes pain, warmth, redness, tenderness, and induration along the affected vein.

Venous insufficiency (chronic)

Moderate to severe unilateral or bilateral leg edema occurs in patients with this disorder, which generally affects females. Initially soft and pitting, the edema later becomes hard as tissues thicken. Other signs include darkened skin and painless, easily infected stasis ulcers around the ankle.

Other causes

Coronary artery bypass surgery

Unilateral venous insufficiency may follow saphenous vein retrieval. Edema often occurs in the affected leg or ankle and usually resolves after 6 to 8 weeks.

Diagnostic tests

Venography is a rare cause of leg edema.

Drugs

Estrogen, hormonal contraceptives, lithium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, and drugs that cause sodium retention can cause bilateral leg edema.

Envenomation

Mild to severe localized edema may develop suddenly at the site of a bite or sting along with erythema, pain, urticaria, pruritus, and a burning sensation.

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Scrotal swelling: Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Elephantiasis of the scrotum

With this disorder (common in some tropical countries), infection by a filaria worm obstructs lymphatic drainage, causing chronic gross scrotal edema and pain. Associated findings include other areas of pitting and, eventually, brawny edema (especially the legs), thickened subcutaneous tissue, hyperkeratosis, and skin fissures.

Epididymal cysts

Located in the head of the epididymis, these cysts produce painless scrotal swelling.

Epididymal tuberculosis

This disorder produces an enlarged scrotal mass separated from the testicle. Other findings include palpable beading along the vas deferens, induration of the prostate or seminal vesicles, and pus or tubercle bacilli in the urine.

Epididymitis

Key features of inflammation are pain, extreme tenderness, and swelling in the groin and scrotum. The patient waddles to avoid pressure on the groin and scrotum during walking. He may have high fever, malaise, urethral discharge and cloudy urine, and lower abdominal pain on the affected side. His scrotal skin may be hot, red, dry, flaky, and thin.

Gumma

This rare, painless nodule—usually associated with benign tertiary syphilis—can affect any bone or organ. If it affects the testicle, it causes edema.

Hernia

Herniation of bowel into the scrotum can cause swelling and a soft or unusually firm scrotum. Occasionally, bowel sounds can be auscultated in the scrotum.

Hydrocele

Fluid accumulation produces gradual scrotal swelling that’s usually painless. The scrotum may be soft and cystic or firm and tense. Palpation reveals a round, nontender scrotal mass.

Idiopathic scrotal edema

Swelling occurs quickly with this disorder and usually disappears within 24 hours. The affected testicle is pink.

Orchitis (acute)

Mumps, syphilis, or tuberculosis may precipitate this disorder, which causes sudden painful swelling of one or, at times, both testicles. Related findings include a hot, reddened scrotum; fever of up to 104° F (40° C); chills; lower abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; and extreme weakness. Urinary signs are usually absent.

Scrotal burns

Burns cause swelling within 24 hours of injury. Depending on the burn’s severity, associated findings may include severe pain, erythema, chafing, tissue sloughing, and maceration with a weeping exudate.

Scrotal trauma

Blunt trauma causes scrotal swelling with bruising and severe pain. The scrotum may appear dark or bluish.

Spermatocele

This usually painless cystic mass lies above and behind the testicle and contains opaque fluid and sperm. Its onset may be acute or gradual. Less than 1 cm in diameter, it’s movable and may be transilluminated.

Testicular torsion

Most common before puberty, this urologic emergency causes scrotal swelling; sudden, severe pain; and, possibly, elevation of the affected testicle within the scrotum. It may also cause nausea and vomiting.

Testicular tumor

Typically painless, smooth, and firm, a testicular tumor produces swelling and a sensation of excessive weight in the scrotum.

Torsion of a hydatid of Morgagni

Torsion of this small, pea-sized cyst severs its blood supply, causing a hard, painful swelling on the testicle’s upper pole.

Other causes

Surgery

An effusion of blood from surgery can produce a hematocele, leading to scrotal swelling.

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Edema: Differential Overview
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)

❑ Congestive heart failure

❑ Venous insufficiency

❑ Hypoalbuminemia

❑ Drugs

❑ Cirrhosis

❑ Deep vein thrombosis

❑ Inferior vena cava obstruction

❑ Lymphatic obstruction

❑ Glomerular injury

❑ Idiopathic edema

❑ Myxedema

❑ Lipedema

❑ Toxemia

❑ Cyclical edema

❑ Refeeding

❑ Filariasis

❑ Milroy

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Scrotal Pain/Swelling: Differential Overview
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)

Pain Predominant

❑ Epididymitis

❑ Testicular torsion

❑ Prostatitis

❑ Referred pain

❑ Trauma

❑ Orchitis

❑ Torsion of the appendix testis

❑ Inguinal hernia/incarcerated

Swelling Predominant

❑ Varicocele

❑ Inguinal hernia

❑ Hydrocele

❑ Spermatocele

❑ Sebaceous cyst

❑ Testicular cancer

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Pulmonary edema: Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)

Pulmonary edema usually results from left-sided heart failure due to arteriosclerotic, hypertensive, cardiomyopathic, or valvular heart disease. In such disorders, the compromised left ventricle requires increased filling pressures to maintain adequate output; these pressures are transmitted to the left atrium, pulmonary veins, and pulmonary capillary bed.

This increased pulmonary capillary hydrostatic force promotes transudation of intravascular fluids into the pulmonary interstitium, decreasing lung compliance and interfering with gas exchange. Other factors that may predispose a person to pulmonary edema include:

❑ infusion of excessive volumes of I.V. fluids

❑ decreased serum colloid osmotic pressure as a result of nephrosis, extensive burns, hepatic disease, or nutritional deficiency

❑ impaired lung lymphatic drainage from Hodgkin’s disease or obliterative lymphangitis after radiation

❑ mitral stenosis and left atrial myxoma, which impair left atrial emptying

❑ pulmonary veno-occlusive disease.

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Edema, generalized: Medical causes
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)

Angioneurotic edema or angioedema

Recurrent attacks of acute, painless, nonpitting edema involving the skin and mucous membranes — especially those of the respiratory tract, face, neck, lips, larynx, hands, feet, genitalia, or viscera — may be the result of a food or drug allergy or emotional stress, or they may be hereditary. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea accompany visceral edema; dyspnea and stridor accompany life-threatening laryngeal edema.

Burns

Edema and associated tissue damage vary with the severity of the burn. Severe generalized edema (4+) may occur within 2 days of a major burn; localized edema may occur with a less severe burn.

Cirrhosis

Edema that usually starts in the legs and thighs and may progress to the degree of anasarca. Edema is a late sign of cirrhosis — a chronic disease. Accompanying signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, hepatomegaly, ascites, jaundice, pruritus, bleeding tendencies, musty breath, lethargy, mental changes, and asterixis.

Heart failure

Severe, generalized pitting edema — occasionally anasarca — may follow leg edema late in heart failure. Edema may improve with exercise or elevation of the limbs and is typically worse at the end of the day. Among other classic late findings are hemoptysis, cyanosis, marked hepatomegaly, clubbing, crackles, and a ventricular gallop. Typically, the patient has tachypnea, palpitations, hypotension, weight gain despite anorexia, nausea, slowed mental response, diaphoresis, and pallor. Dyspnea, orthopnea, tachycardia, and fatigue typify left-sided heart failure; jugular vein distention, enlarged liver, and peripheral edema typify right-sided heart failure.

Malnutrition

Anasarca in malnutrition may mask dramatic muscle wasting. Malnutrition also typically causes muscle weakness; lethargy; anorexia; diarrhea; apathy; dry, wrinkled skin; and signs of anemia, such as dizziness and pallor.

Myxedema

With myxedema — the severe form of hypothyroidism — generalized nonpitting edema is accompanied by dry, flaky, inelastic, waxy, pale skin, a puffy face, and an upper eyelid droop. Assessment also reveals masklike facies, hair loss or coarsening, and psychomotor slowing. Associated findings include hoarseness, weight gain, fatigue, cold intolerance, bradycardia, hypoventilation, constipation, abdominal distention, menorrhagia, impotence, and infertility.

Nephrotic syndrome

Although nephrotic syndrome is characterized by generalized pitting edema, the edema is initially localized around the eyes. With severe cases, anasarca develops, increasing body weight by up to 50%. Other common signs and symptoms are ascites, anorexia, fatigue, malaise, depression, and pallor.

Pericardial effusion

With pericardial effusion, generalized pitting edema may be most prominent in the arms and legs. It may be accompanied by chest pain, dyspnea, orthopnea, nonproductive cough, pericardial friction rub, jugular vein distention, dysphagia, and fever.

Pericarditis (chronic constructive)

Resembling right-sided heart failure, pericarditis usually begins with pitting edema of the arms and legs that may progress to generalized edema. Other signs and symptoms include ascites, Kussmaul’s sign, dyspnea, fatigue, weakness, abdominal distention, and hepatomegaly.

Protein-losing enteropathy

Increased albumin levels lead to progressive generalized pitting edema in protein-losing enteropathy. The patient may also have mild fever and abdominal pain with bloody diarrhea and steatorrhea.

Renal failure

With acute renal failure, generalized pitting edema occurs as a late sign. With chronic failure, edema is less likely to become generalized; its severity depends on the degree of fluid overload. Both forms of renal failure cause oliguria, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, hypertension, dyspnea, crackles, dizziness, and pallor.

Septic shock

A late sign of septic shock — a life-threatening disorder — generalized edema typically develops rapidly. The edema is pitting and moderately severe. Accompanying it may be cool skin, hypotension, oliguria, tachycardia, cyanosis, thirst, anxiety, and signs of respiratory failure.

Other causes

Drugs

Any drug that causes sodium retention may aggravate or cause generalized edema. Examples include antihypertensives, corticosteroids, androgenic and anabolic steroids, estrogens, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as celecoxib, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Medical treatments

I.V. saline solution infusions and internal feedings may cause sodium and fluid overload, resulting in generalized edema, especially in patients with cardiac or renal disease.

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Edema, facial: Medical causes
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)

Abscess (periodontal)

Periodontal abscess is an infection that usually results from poor oral hygiene and is commonly caused by anaerobic organisms. It can cause edema of the side of the face, pain, warmth, erythema, and purulent discharge around the affected tooth.

Abscess (peritonsillar)

Peritonsillar abscess is a complication of tonsillitis that may cause unilateral facial edema. Other key signs and symptoms include severe throat pain, neck swelling, drooling, cervical adenopathy, fever, chills, and malaise.

Allergic reaction

Facial edema may characterize both local allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. With life-threatening anaphylaxis, angioneurotic facial edema may occur with urticaria and flushing. (See Recognizing angioneurotic edema, page 129.) Airway edema causes hoarseness, stridor, and bronchospasm with dyspnea and tachypnea. Signs of shock, such as hypotension and cool, clammy skin, may also occur. A localized reaction produces facial edema, erythema, and urticaria.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis

Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare but serious disorder that may begin with unilateral edema that quickly progresses to bilateral edema of the forehead, base of the nose, and eyelids. It may also produce chills, fever, headache, nausea, lethargy, exophthalmos, and eye pain.

Chalazion

A chalazion causes localized swelling and tenderness of the affected eyelid, accompanied by a small red lump on the conjunctival surface.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis causes eyelid edema, excessive tearing, and itchy, burning eyes. Inspection reveals a thick purulent discharge, crusty eyelids, and conjunctival injection. Corneal involvement causes photophobia and pain.

Corneal ulcers (fungal)

Accompanying red, edematous eyelids in corneal ulcers are conjunctival injection, intense pain, photophobia, and severely impaired visual acuity. Copious, purulent eye discharge makes eyelids sticky and crusted. The characteristic dense, central ulcer grows slowly, is whitish gray, and is surrounded by progressively clearer rings.

Dacryoadenitis

Severe periorbital swelling characterizes dacryoadenitis, which may also cause conjunctival injection, purulent discharge, and temporal pain.

Dacryocystitis

Lacrimal sac inflammation causes prominent eyelid edema and constant tearing. With acute cases, pain and tenderness near the lacrimal sac accompany purulent discharge.

Dermatomyositis

Periorbital edema and heliotropic rash develop gradually in dermatomyositis — a rare disease. An itchy, lilac-colored rash appears on the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and forehead. Localized or diffuse erythema, eye pain, and fever may also occur.

Facial burns

Burns may cause extensive edema that impairs respiration. Additional findings include singed nasal hairs, red mucosa, sooty sputum, and signs of respiratory distress, such as inspiratory stridor.

Facial trauma

The extent of edema varies with the type of injury. For example, a contusion may cause localized edema, whereas a nasal or maxillary fracture causes more generalized edema. Associated symptoms also depend on the type of injury.

Frontal sinus cancer

Frontal sinus cancer is a rare form of cancer that causes cheek edema on the affected side, reddened skin over the sinus, unilateral nasal bleeding or discharge, and exophthalmos. Pain over the forehead and unilateral hypoesthesia or anesthesia may occur later.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (shingles)

With herpes zoster ophthalmicus, edematous and red eyelids are usually accompanied by excessive tearing and a serous discharge. Severe unilateral facial pain may occur several days before vesicles erupt.

Hordeolum (stye)

Typically, localized eyelid edema, erythema, and pain occur with a hordeolum.

Malnutrition

Severe malnutrition causes facial edema followed by swelling of the feet and legs. Associated signs and symptoms include muscle atrophy and weakness; anorexia; diarrhea; lethargy; dry, wrinkled skin; sparse, brittle, easily plucked hair; and slowed pulse and respiratory rates.

Melkersson’s syndrome

Facial edema (especially of the lips), facial paralysis, and folds in the tongue are the three characteristic signs of Melkersson’s syndrome.

Myxedema

Myxedema eventually causes generalized facial edema, waxy dry skin, hair loss or coarsening, and other signs of hypothyroidism.

Nephrotic syndrome

Commonly the first sign of nephrotic syndrome, periorbital edema precedes dependent and abdominal edema. Associated findings include weight gain, nausea, anorexia, lethargy, fatigue, and pallor.

Orbital cellulitis

Sudden onset of periorbital edema marks orbital cellulitis. It may be accompanied by a unilateral purulent discharge, hyperemia, exophthalmos, conjunctival injection, impaired extraocular movements, fever, and extreme orbital pain.

Osteomyelitis

When osteomyelitis affects the frontal bone, it may cause forehead edema as well as fever, chills, headache, and cool, pallid skin.

Preeclampsia

Edema of the face, hands, and ankles is an early sign of preeclampsia — a disorder of pregnancy. Other characteristics include excessive weight gain, severe headache, blurred vision, hypertension, and midepigastric pain.

Rhinitis (allergic)

With rhinitis, red and edematous eyelids are accompanied by paroxysmal sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, and profuse, watery rhinorrhea. The patient may also develop nasal congestion, excessive tearing, headache, sinus pain, and sometimes malaise and fever.

Sinusitis

Frontal sinusitis causes edema of the forehead and eyelids. Maxillary sinusitis produces edema in the maxillary area as well as malaise, gingival swelling, and trismus. Both types are also accompanied by facial pain, fever, nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, and red, swollen nasal mucosa.

Superior vena cava syndrome

Superior vena cava syndrome gradually produces facial and neck edema accompanied by thoracic or jugular vein distention. It also causes central nervous system symptoms, such as headache, vision disturbances, and vertigo.

Trachoma

With trachoma, edema affects the eyelid and conjunctiva and is accompanied by eye pain, excessive tearing, photophobia, and eye discharge. Examination reveals an inflamed preauricular node and visible conjunctival follicles.

Trichinosis

Trichinosis is a relatively rare infectious disorder that causes sudden onset of eyelid edema with fever (102° to l04° F [38.9°to 40° C]), conjunctivitis, muscle pain, itching and burning skin, sweating, skin lesions, and delirium.

Other causes

Diagnostic tests

An allergic reaction to contrast media used in radiologic tests may produce facial edema.

Drugs

Long-term use of glucocorticoids may produce facial edema. Any drug that causes an allergic reaction (aspirin, antipyretics, penicillin, and sulfa preparations, for example) may have the same effect.

Herbal remedies

Ingestion of the fruit pulp of ginkgo biloba can cause severe erythema and edema and the rapid formation of vesicles. Feverfew and chrysanthemum parthenium can cause swelling of the lips, irritation of the tongue, and mouth ulcers. Licorice may cause facial edema and water retention or bloating, especially if used before menses.

Surgery and transfusion

Cranial, nasal, or jaw surgery may cause facial edema, as may a blood transfusion that causes an allergic reaction.

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Scrotal swelling: Medical causes
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)

Elephantiasis of the scrotum

With elephantiasis of the scrotum (common in some tropical countries), infection by a filaria worm obstructs lymphatic drainage, causing chronic gross scrotal edema and pain. Associated findings include other areas of pitting and, eventually, brawny edema (especially the legs), thickened subcutaneous tissue, hyperkeratosis, and skin fissures.

Epididymal cysts

.Located in the head of the epididymis, these cysts produce painless scrotal swelling.

Epididymal tuberculosis

Epididymal tuberculosis produces an enlarged scrotal mass separated from the testicle. Other findings include palpable beading along the vas deferens, induration of the prostate or seminal vesicles, and pus or tubercle bacilli in urine.

Epididymitis

Key features of inflammation are pain, extreme tenderness, and swelling in the groin and scrotum. The patient waddles to avoid pressure on the groin and scrotum during walking. He may have high fever, malaise, urethral discharge and cloudy urine, and lower abdominal pain on the affected side. His scrotal skin may be hot, red, dry, flaky, and thin.

Gumma

Gumma is a rare, painless nodule — usually associated with benign tertiary syphilis — that can affect any bone or organ. If it affects the testicle, it causes edema.

Hernia

Herniation of bowel into the scrotum can cause swelling and a soft or unusually firm scrotum. Occasionally, bowel sounds can be auscultated in the scrotum.

Hydrocele

Fluid accumulation produces gradual scrotal swelling that’s usually painless. The scrotum may be soft and cystic or firm and tense. Palpation reveals a round, nontender scrotal mass.

Idiopathic scrotal edema

Swelling occurs quickly with idiopathic scrotal edema and usually disappears within 24 hours. The affected testicle is pink.

Orchitis (acute)

Mumps, syphilis, or tuberculosis may precipitate acute orchitis, which causes sudden painful swelling of one or, at times, both testicles. Related findings include a hot, reddened scrotum accompanied by fever of up to 104° F (40° C), chills, lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and extreme weakness. Urinary signs are usually absent.

Scrotal burns

Burns cause swelling within 24 hours of injury. Depending on the burn’s severity, associated findings may include severe pain, erythema, chafing, tissue sloughing, and maceration with a weeping exudate.

Scrotal trauma

Blunt trauma causes scrotal swelling with bruising and severe pain. The scrotum may appear dark or bluish.

Spermatocele

This usually painless cystic mass lies above and behind the testicle and contains opaque fluid and sperm. Its onset may be acute or gradual. Less than 1 cm in diameter, it’s movable and may be transilluminated.

Testicular torsion

Most common between ages 12 and 25 years, testicular torsion — a urologic emergency — causes scrotal swelling with sudden, severe pain and, possibly, elevation of the affected testicle within the scrotum. It may also cause nausea and vomiting.

Testicular tumor

Typically painless, smooth, and firm, a testicular tumor produces swelling and a sensation of excessive weight in the scrotum.

Torsion of a hydatid of Morgagni

Torsion of a hydatid of Morgagni — a small, pea-sized cyst — severs its blood supply, causing hard, painful swelling on the testicle’s upper pole.

Other causes

Surgery

An effusion of blood from surgery can produce a hematocele, leading to scrotal swelling.

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Edema, generalized: Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Angioneurotic edema or angioedema

Recurrent attacks of acute, painless, nonpitting edema involving the skin and mucous membranes — especially those of the respiratory tract, face, neck, lips, larynx, hands, feet, genitalia, or viscera — may be the result of a food or drug allergy or emotional stress; they may also be hereditary. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea accompany visceral edema; dyspnea and stridor accompany life-threatening laryngeal edema.

Burns

Edema and associated tissue damage vary with the severity of the burn. Severe generalized edema (4+) may occur within 2 days of a major burn; localized edema may occur with a less severe burn. Depending on the degree of edema, the patient may experience signs and symptoms of reduced or absent circulation and airway obstruction.

Cirrhosis

Edema is a late sign of cirrhosis, a chronic disease. Accompanying signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, hepatomegaly, ascites, jaundice, pruritus, bleeding tendencies, musty breath, lethargy, mental changes, and asterixis.

Heart failure

Severe, generalized pitting edema — occasionally anasarca — may follow leg edema late in a patient with heart failure. The edema may improve with exercise or elevation of the limbs and tends to be worse at the end of the day. Other classic late findings include hemoptysis, cyanosis, marked hepatomegaly, clubbing, crackles, and a ventricular gallop. Typically, the patient also experiences tachypnea, palpitations, hypotension, weight gain despite anorexia, nausea, slowed mental response, diaphoresis, and pallor. Dyspnea, orthopnea, tachycardia, and fatigue signal left-sided heart failure; jugular vein distention, enlarged liver, and peripheral edema signal right-sided heart failure.

Myxedema

With myxedema, a severe form of hypothyroidism, generalized nonpitting edema is accompanied by dry, flaky, inelastic, waxy, pale skin; a puffy face; and an upper eyelid droop. Observation also reveals masklike facies, hair loss or coarsening, and psychomotor slowing. Associated findings include hoarseness, weight gain, fatigue, cold intolerance, bradycardia, hypoventilation, constipation, abdominal distention, menorrhagia, impotence, and infertility.

Nephrotic syndrome

Although nephrotic syndrome is characterized by generalized pitting edema, the edema is initially localized around the eyes. With severe cases, anasarca develops, increasing body weight by up to 50%. Other common signs and symptoms are ascites, anorexia, fatigue, malaise, depression, and pallor.

Pericardial effusion

With pericardial effusion, generalized pitting edema may be most prominent in the arms and legs. It may be accompanied by chest pain, dyspnea, orthopnea, nonproductive cough, pericardial friction rub, jugular vein distention, dysphagia, and fever.

Renal failure

Generalized pitting edema occurs as a late sign of acute renal failure. With chronic renal failure, edema is less likely to become generalized; its severity depends on the degree of fluid overload. Both forms of renal failure cause oliguria, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, hypertension, dyspnea, crackles, dizziness, and pallor.

Other causes

Drugs

Any drug that causes sodium retention may aggravate or cause generalized edema. Examples include antihypertensives, corticosteroids, androgenic and anabolic steroids, estrogens, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as phenylbutazone, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Treatments

I.V. saline solution infusions and enteral feedings may cause sodium and fluid overload, resulting in generalized edema, especially in patients with cardiac or renal disease.

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Edema of the arm: Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Angioneurotic edema

Angioneurotic edema is a common reaction characterized by sudden onset of painless, nonpruritic edema affecting the hands, feet, eyelids, lips, face, neck, genitalia, or viscera. Although these swellings usually don’t itch, they may burn and tingle. If edema spreads to the larynx, signs of respiratory distress may occur.

Arm trauma

Shortly after a crush injury, severe edema may affect the entire arm. Ecchymoses or superficial bleeding, pain or numbness, and paralysis may occur. If a fracture has occurred, deformities may also be present.

Burns

Two days or less after injury, arm burns may cause mild to severe edema, pain, and tissue damage. Depending on the burn degree, the patient may also have erythema; blisters; white, brown, or leathery tissue; or charring.

Envenomation

Envenomation initially may cause edema around the bite or sting that quickly spreads to the entire arm. Pain, erythema, and pruritus at the site are common; paresthesia occurs occasionally. Later, the patient may develop generalized signs and symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, muscle cramps, fever, chills, hypotension, headache and, in severe cases, dyspnea, seizures, and paralysis.

Superior vena cava syndrome

With superior vena cava syndrome, bilateral arm edema usually progresses slowly and is accompanied by facial and neck edema. Dilated veins mark these edematous areas. The patient also complains of headache, vertigo, and vision disturbances.

Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis may cause arm edema, pain, and warmth. Deep vein thrombophlebitis can also produce cyanosis, fever, chills, and malaise. Superficial thrombophlebitis also causes redness, tenderness, and induration along the vein.

Other causes

Treatments

Localized arm edema may result from infiltration of I.V. fluid into the interstitial tissue. A radical or modified radical mastectomy that disrupts lymphatic drainage may cause edema of the entire arm, as can axillary lymph node dissection. Also, radiation therapy for breast cancer may produce arm edema immediately after treatment or months later.

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Edema of the face: Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Abscess (periodontal)

A periodontal abscess can cause edema of the side of the face, pain, warmth, erythema, and purulent discharge around the affected tooth. The gums may be bright red and inflamed.

Abscess (peritonsillar)

A peritonsillar abscess, a complication of tonsillitis, may cause unilateral facial edema. Other key signs and symptoms include severe throat pain, neck swelling, drooling, cervical adenopathy, fever, chills, and malaise.

Allergic reaction

Facial edema may characterize local allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. With life-threatening anaphylaxis, angioneurotic facial edema may occur with urticaria and flushing. (See Recognizing angioneurotic edema.) Airway edema causes hoarseness, stridor, and bronchospasm with dyspnea and tachypnea. Signs of shock, such as hypotension and cool, clammy skin, may also occur. A localized reaction produces facial edema, erythema, and urticaria.

Chalazion

A chalazion causes localized swelling and tenderness of the affected eyelid, accompanied by a small red lump on the conjunctival surface. The patient may report increased tearing and photophobia.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis causes eyelid edema, excessive tearing, and itchy, burning eyes. Inspection reveals a thick purulent discharge, crusty eyelids, and conjunctival injection. Corneal involvement causes photophobia and pain.

Corneal ulcers (fungal)

In patients with fungal corneal ulcers, red, edematous eyelids accompany conjunctival injection, intense pain, photophobia, and severely impaired visual acuity. Copious, purulent eye discharge makes eyelids sticky and crusted. The characteristic dense, central ulcer grows slowly, is whitish gray, and is surrounded by progressively clearer rings.

Dacryocystitis

With dacryocystitis, lacrimal sac inflammation causes prominent eyelid edema and constant tearing. In acute cases, pain and tenderness near the tear sac accompany purulent discharge.

CULTURAL CUE:

Dacryocystitis rarely occurs in blacks because they tend to have a larger nasolacrimal ostium and a shorter, straighter lacrimal canal than whites.

Facial burns

Burns may cause extensive edema that impairs respiration. Additional findings include singed nasal hairs and eyebrows, red mucosa, sooty sputum, and signs of respiratory distress, such as inspiratory stridor.

Facial trauma

With facial trauma, the extent of edema varies with the type of injury. For example, a contusion may cause localized edema, whereas a nasal or maxillary fracture causes more generalized edema. Associated signs and symptoms also depend on the type of injury.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus

With herpes zoster ophthalmicus (also known as shingles), edematous and red eyelids are usually accompanied by excessive tearing and a serous discharge. Severe unilateral facial pain may occur several days before vesicles erupt. Fever and malaise may also occur.

Hordeolum

Typically, localized eyelid edema, erythema, and pain occur with a hordeolum (stye). The patient may report photophobia and a foreign body sensation.

Malnutrition

Severe malnutrition causes facial edema followed by swelling of the feet and legs. Associated signs and symptoms include muscle atrophy and weakness; anorexia; diarrhea; lethargy; dry, wrinkled skin; sparse, brittle, easily plucked hair; and slowed pulse and respiratory rates.

Myxedema

Myxedema eventually causes generalized facial edema; waxy, dry skin; hair loss or coarsening; and other signs of hypothyroidism. Upper eyelid drooping may also be apparent.

Nephrotic syndrome

Commonly the first sign of nephrotic syndrome, periorbital edema precedes dependent and abdominal edema. Associated findings include weight gain, nausea, anorexia, lethargy, fatigue, and pallor.

Orbital cellulitis

Sudden onset of periorbital edema marks orbital cellulitis, an inflammatory disorder. It may be accompanied by a unilateral purulent discharge, hyperemia, exophthalmos, conjunctival injection, impaired extraocular movements, fever, and extreme orbital pain.

Preeclampsia

Edema of the face, hands, and ankles is an early sign of preeclampsia. Other characteristics include excessive weight gain, severe headache, blurred vision, hypertension, and midepigastric pain.

Rhinitis (allergic)

With allergic rhinitis, red and edematous eyelids are accompanied by paroxysmal sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, and profuse, watery rhinorrhea. The patient may also develop nasal congestion, excessive tearing, headache, sinus pain, and sometimes malaise and fever.

Sinusitis

Frontal sinusitis causes edema of the forehead and eyelids. Maxillary sinusitis produces edema in the maxillary area as well as malaise, gingival swelling, and trismus. Both types are also accompanied by facial pain, fever, nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, and red, swollen nasal mucosa.

Superior vena cava syndrome

Superior vena cava syndrome gradually produces facial and neck edema accompanied by thoracic or jugular vein distention. It also causes central nervous system symptoms, such as headache, vision disturbances, and vertigo.

Other causes

Diagnostic tests

An allergic reaction to contrast media used in radiologic tests may produce facial edema.

Drugs

Long-term use of glucocorticoids may produce facial edema. Any drug that causes an allergic reaction (aspirin, antipyretics, penicillin, and sulfa preparations, for example) may have the same effect. Ingestion of the fruit pulp of ginkgo biloba can cause severe erythema and edema and the rapid formation of vesicles.

Surgery and transfusion

Cranial, nasal, or jaw surgery may cause facial edema, as may a blood transfusion that causes an allergic reaction.

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Edema of the leg: Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Burns

Two days or less after injury, leg burns may cause mild to severe edema, pain, and tissue damage. Depending on the degree of the burn, the patient may also have erythema; blisters; white, brown, or leathery tissue; or charring.

Cellulitis

With cellulitis, pitting edema and orange peel skin are caused by a streptococcal or staphylococcal infection that most commonly occurs in the lower extremities. Cellulitis is also associated with erythema, warmth, and tenderness in the infected area.

Envenomation

Mild to severe localized edema may develop suddenly at the site of a bite or sting, along with erythema, pain, urticaria, pruritus, and a burning sensation. Later signs include nausea, vomiting, weakness, muscle cramps, fever, chills, hypotension, headache, and, in severe cases, dyspnea, seizures, and paralysis.

Heart failure

Bilateral leg edema is an early sign of right-sided heart failure. Other signs and symptoms include weight gain despite anorexia, nausea, chest tightness, hypotension, pallor, tachypnea, exertional dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, palpitations, ventricular gallop, and inspiratory crackles. Pitting ankle edema, hepatomegaly, hemoptysis, and cyanosis signal more advanced heart failure.

Hypoproteinemia

Malnourished patients suffer bilateral leg edema secondary to decreased protein and osmotic pressures. Malnutrition also typically causes muscle weakness; lethargy; anorexia; diarrhea; apathy; dry, wrinkled skin; and signs of anemia, such as dizziness and pallor.

Leg trauma

Mild to severe localized edema may form around the site of leg trauma. Ecchymoses or bleeding, pain or numbness, and paralysis may occur. If a fracture has occurred, deformities may be present.

Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is commonly seen in children and results in bilateral leg edema. It’s associated with polyuria and eyelid swelling. Generalized pitting edema may also occur as well as ascites, fatigue, malaise, depression, and pallor.

Osteomyelitis

When osteomyelitis, a bone infection, affects the lower leg, it usually produces localized, mild to moderate edema, which may spread to the adjacent joint. Edema typically follows fever, localized tenderness, and pain that increases with leg movement.

Rupture of popliteal cyst

A ruptured popliteal (Baker’s) cyst can cause sudden onset of unilateral calf pain and edema, usually after walking or exercising. This type of cyst is common in patients with arthritis. It can compress vascular structures and cause severe edema and thrombophlebitis.

Thrombophlebitis

Both deep and superficial vein thrombosis may cause unilateral mild to moderate edema. Deep vein thrombophlebitis may not produce symptoms or may cause mild to severe pain, warmth, and cyanosis in the affected leg as well as fever, chills, and malaise. Superficial thrombophlebitis typically causes pain, warmth, redness, tenderness, and induration along the affected vein.

Venous insufficiency (chronic)

Moderate to severe, unilateral or bilateral leg edema occurs in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Initially, the edema is soft and pitting; later, it becomes hard as tissues thicken. Other signs include darkened skin and painless, easily infected stasis ulcers around the ankle. Venous insufficiency generally occurs in females.

Other causes

Coronary artery bypass surgery

Unilateral venous insufficiency may follow saphenous vein retrieval.

Medications

Estrogen, hormonal contraceptives, lithium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, and drugs that cause sodium retention can cause bilateral leg edema.

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Scrotal swelling: Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Epididymal cysts

Located in the head of the epididymis, epididymal cysts produce painless scrotal swelling. Most men, however, are asymptomatic and discover the cyst on self-examination.

Epididymitis

Key features of epididymitis are inflammation, pain, extreme tenderness, and swelling in the groin and scrotum. The patient waddles to avoid pressure on the groin and scrotum during walking. He may have high fever, malaise, urethral discharge and cloudy urine, and lower abdominal pain on the affected side. His scrotal skin may be hot, red, dry, flaky, and thin.

Hernia

Herniation of bowel into the scrotum can cause swelling and a soft or unusually firm scrotum. Occasionally, bowel sounds can be auscultated in the scrotum. If bowel obstruction occurs, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and reduced bowel sounds may occur.

Hydrocele

With hydrocele, fluid accumulation produces gradual scrotal swelling that’s usually painless. The scrotum may be soft and cystic or firm and tense. Palpation reveals a round, nontender scrotal mass.

Orchitis (acute)

Mumps, syphilis, or tuberculosis may precipitate acute orchitis, which causes sudden painful swelling of one or, at times, both testicles. Related findings include a hot, reddened scrotum; fever of up to 104° F (40° C); chills; lower abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; and extreme weakness. Urinary signs are usually absent.

Scrotal trauma

Blunt trauma causes scrotal swelling with bruising and severe pain. The scrotum may appear dark or bluish. Nausea, vomiting, and difficulty urinating might also occur.

Spermatocele

A spermatocele, a usually painless cystic mass, lies above and behind the testicle and contains opaque fluid and sperm. Its onset may be acute or gradual. Less than 1 cm in diameter, it’s movable and may be transilluminated.

Testicular torsion

Most common before puberty, testicular torsion is a urologic emergency that causes scrotal swelling; sudden, severe pain; and, possibly, elevation of the affected testicle within the scrotum. Testicular torsion may also cause nausea and vomiting.

Testicular tumor

Typically painless, smooth, and firm, a testicular tumor produces swelling and a sensation of excessive weight in the scrotum. With ureteral obstruction, the patient may have urinary complaints.

Other causes

Surgery

An effusion of blood from surgery can produce a hematocele, leading to scrotal swelling.

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Edema: Principal Causes of Edema
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)

  1. Disorderswith normal serum albumin
    1. Increased capillary permeability
      1. Skin disorders
      2. Allergic reaction
      3. Vasculitis
      4. Septicemia
      5. Vitamin E deficiency
      6. Hereditary angioedema
    2. Increased hydrostatic pressure
      1. Increasedblood volume
        1. Fluidoverload
        2. Cardiac failure
        3. Renal disease
      2. Increased venous pressure
        1. Constructivepericarditis
        2. Portal hypertension
        3. Venous thrombosis
        4. Tumor
      3. Increased lymph pressure
        1. Lymphedema
  2. Disorders with decreased serum albumin(decreased oncotic pressure)
    1. Disorders with proteinuria
      1. Renaldisease
        1. Glomerulonephritis
        2. Nephrotic syndrome
    2. Disorders without proteinuria
      1. Acuteand chronic liver disease
        1. Hepatitis
        2. Cirrhosis
      2. Gastrointestinal disease
        1. Protein-losingenteropathy
          1. Cowmilk protein sensitivity
          2. Cystic fibrosis
          3. Celiac disease
          4. Inflammatory bowel disease
          5. Intestinal lymphangiectasia
      3. Protein-calorie malnutrition
      4. Congenital albumin deficiency
  3. Hydrops fetalis: immune and nonimmune

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Edema, generalized: Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

Angioneurotic edema or angioedema.Recurrent attacks of acute, painless, nonpitting edema involving the skin and mucous membranes—especially those of the respiratory tract, face, neck, lips, larynx, hands, feet, genitalia, or viscera—may be the result of a food or drug allergy or emotional stress or they may be hereditary. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea accompany visceral edema; dyspnea and stridor accompany life-threatening laryngeal edema.

Burns.Edema and associated tissue damage vary with the severity of the burn. Severe generalized edema (4+) may occur within 2 days of a major burn; localized edema may occur with a less severe burn.

Heart failure.Severe, generalized pitting edema—occasionally anasarca—may follow leg edema late in this disorder. The edema may improve with exercise or elevation of the limbs and is typically worse at the end of the day. Among other classic late findings are hemoptysis, cyanosis, marked hepatomegaly, clubbing, crackles, and a ventricular gallop. Typically, the patient has tachypnea, palpitations, hypotension, weight gain despite anorexia, nausea, a slowed mental response, diaphoresis, and pallor. Dyspnea, orthopnea, tachycardia, and fatigue typify leftsided heart failure; jugular vein distention, enlarged liver, and peripheral edema typify right-sided heart failure.

Malnutrition.Anasarca in malnutrition may mask dramatic muscle wasting. Malnutrition also typically causes muscle weakness; lethargy; anorexia; diarrhea; apathy; dry, wrinkled skin; and signs of anemia, such as dizziness and pallor.

Myxedema.With myxedema, which is a severe form of hypothyroidism, generalized nonpitting edema is accompanied by dry, flaky, inelastic, waxy, pale skin; a puffy face; and an upper eyelid droop. Observation also reveals masklike facies, hair loss or coarsening, and psychomotor slowing. Associated findings include hoarseness, weight gain, fatigue, cold intolerance, bradycardia, hypoventilation, constipation, abdominal distention, menorrhagia, impotence, and infertility.

Nephrotic syndrome.Although nephrotic syndrome is characterized by generalized pitting edema, it's initially localized around the eyes. With severe cases, anasarca develops, increasing body weight by up to 50%. Other common signs and symptoms are ascites, anorexia, fatigue, malaise, depression, and pallor.

Pericardial effusion.With pericardial effusion, generalized pitting edema may be most prominent in the arms and legs. It may be accompanied by chest pain, dyspnea, orthopnea, a nonproductive cough, a pericardial friction rub, jugular vein distention, dysphagia, and a fever.

Pericarditis (chronic constrictive).Resembling right-sided heart failure, pericarditis usually begins with pitting edema of the arms and legs that may progress to generalized edema. Other signs and symptoms include ascites, Kussmaul's sign, dyspnea, fatigue, weakness, abdominal distention, and hepatomegaly.

Renal failure.With acute renal failure, generalized pitting edema occurs as a late sign. With chronic renal failure, edema is less likely to become generalized; its severity depends on the degree of fluid overload. Both forms of renal failure cause oliguria, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, hypertension, dyspnea, crackles, dizziness, and pallor.

Other causes

Drugs.Any drug that causes sodium retention may aggravate or cause generalized edema. Examples include antihypertensives, corticosteroids, androgenic and anabolic steroids, estrogens, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as phenylbutazone, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Treatments.I.V. saline solution infusions and internal feedings may cause sodium and fluid overload, resulting in generalized edema, especially in patients with cardiac or renal disease.

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Edema of the arm: Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

Angioneurotic edema.Angioneurotic edema is a common reaction that's characterized by the sudden onset of painless, nonpruritic edema affecting the hands, feet, eyelids, lips, face, neck, genitalia, or viscera. Although swelling usually doesn't itch, it may burn and tingle. If edema spreads to the larynx, signs of respiratory distress may occur.

Arm trauma.Shortly after a crush injury, severe edema may affect the entire arm. Ecchymoses or superficial bleeding, pain or numbness, and paralysis may occur.

Burns.Two days or less after injury, arm burns may cause mild to severe edema, pain, and tissue damage.

Envenomation.Envenomation by snakes, aquatic animals, or insects initially may cause edema around the bite or sting that quickly spreads to the entire arm. Pain, erythema, and pruritus at the site are common; paresthesia occurs occasionally. Later, the patient may develop generalized signs and symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, muscle cramps, a fever, chills, hypotension, a headache and, in severe cases, dyspnea, seizures, and paralysis.

Superior vena cava syndrome.Bilateral arm edema usually progresses slowly and is accompanied by facial and neck edema. Dilated veins mark these edematous areas. The patient also complains of a headache, vertigo, and vision disturbances.

Thrombophlebitis.Thrombophlebitis, which can result from peripherally inserted central catheters and arm portocaths, may cause arm edema, pain, and warmth. Deep vein thrombophlebitis can also produce cyanosis, a fever, chills, and malaise; superficial thrombophlebitis also causes redness, tenderness, and induration along the vein.

Other causes

Treatments.Localized arm edema may result from infiltration of I.V. fluid into the interstitial tissue. A radical or modified radical mastectomy that disrupts lymphatic drainage may cause edema of the entire arm, as can axillary lymph node dissection. Also, radiation therapy for breast cancer may produce arm edema immediately after treatment or months later.

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Edema of the face: Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

Allergic reaction.Facial edema may characterize local allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. With life-threatening anaphylaxis, angioneurotic facial edema may occur with urticaria and flushing. (See Recognizing angioneurotic edema.) Airway edema causes hoarseness, stridor, and bronchospasm with dyspnea and tachypnea. Signs of shock, such as hypotension and cool, clammy skin, may also occur. A localized reaction produces facial edema, erythema, and urticaria.

Chalazion.A chalazion cause