Edema

Basics

Description

Presence of abnormal amount of fluid in the interstitial spaces of the body; usually secondary to low albumin, obstruction of venous or lymphatic channels, or trauma

Pathophysiology

Altered capillary hemodynamics
- Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
- Decreased capillary oncotic pressure
- Increased capillary permeability
Lymphatic obstruction or dysfunction

Etiology

Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
- Congestive heart failure
- Pericardial effusion
- Kidney disease (due to retention of salt and water)
  - Acute glomerulonephritis
  - Acute kidney injury
  - Chronic kidney disease
- Cirrhosis
- Venous obstruction
  - Superior vena cava syndrome
  - Deep vein thrombosis
Decreased capillary oncotic pressure
- Inadequate intake/production of protein
  - Protein malnutrition
  - Liver disease
- Excessive losses of protein
  - Nephrotic syndrome
  - Protein-losing enteropathy
Increased capillary permeability
- Sepsis
Lymphatic obstruction
- Congenital lymphatic malformations
- Obstruction from tumor
- Filariasis
- Radiation therapy
Medications (calcium channel blockers, vasodilators)

Commonly Associated Conditions

Nephrotic syndrome
Congestive heart failure
Liver disease

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