Swollen Legs

Question 1

What is the pathophysiology?

There are 2 types - pitting and non-pitting

What can cause non-pitting oedema? - 2

Answer 1

Due to fluid leak from veins or lymphatics

Non-pitting:

Hypothyroidism - pretirbial myxoedema
Lymphoedema

Question 2

Causes of bilateral oedema:

What may happen with age?

What 3 types of organ failure could lead to this and why?
What is dependent oedema?

What only happens in women?

What cardiac drug is a common cause?

What thyroid disease could cause this?

Answer 2

Venous insufficiency - age related

Right HF - back up of blood
Liver failure - low albumin
Renal failure - unable to excrete excess fluid

Dependent oedema - effects of gravity when sitting for a prolonged period

Pregnancy

CCB’s

Hypothyrodism

Question 3

Causes of unilateral oedema:

What age-related problem may cause this?

What type of blood clot could lead to this?

What skin disease may cause this?

What is another cause due to a pelvic mass?

Answer 3

Venous insufficiency

DVT

Cellulitis

Lymphoedema - from pelvis mass for example

Question 4

What is lymphoedema?

Secondary lymphoedema causes? - 3

Management - 2

Answer 4

Tissue swelling due to fluid leakage from lymphatic vessels because the lymph vessels themselves are damaged.

Cancer
Surgery
Radiotherapy

Compression stockings
Elevation