Edema

Edema is a clinical sign and pathological state characterized by the abnormal accumulation of excess fluid within the interstitial tissue spaces or body cavities It can manifest locally in specific organs or extremities—most commonly the lower limbs—or present as generalized fluid retention across systemic tissues in populations with cardiovascular, renal, or hepatic disease

Edema is a clinical sign and pathological state characterized by the abnormal accumulation of excess fluid within the interstitial tissue spaces or body cavities Pathophysiologically, it arises from alterations in Starling forces, specifically increased capillary hydrostatic pressure, decreased plasma oncotic pressure, increased microvascular permeability, or impaired lymphatic drainage

It can manifest locally in specific organs or extremities—most commonly the lower limbs—or present as generalized fluid retention across systemic tissues in populations with cardiovascular, renal, or hepatic disease

It can manifest locally in specific organs or extremities—most commonly the lower limbs—or present as generalized fluid retention across systemic tissues in populations with cardiovascular, renal, or hepatic disease

Pathophysiologically, it arises from alterations in Starling forces, specifically increased capillary hydrostatic pressure, decreased plasma oncotic pressure, increased microvascular permeability, or impaired lymphatic drainage Clinically, it typically presents as visible puffiness, stretched or shiny skin, and either pitting or non-pitting tissue indentation upon palpation

Clinically, it typically presents as visible puffiness, stretched or shiny skin, and either pitting or non-pitting tissue indentation upon palpation

Clinically, it typically presents as visible puffiness, stretched or shiny skin, and either pitting or non-pitting tissue indentation upon palpation