Localized Edema

Aka: Localized Edema, Unilateral Edema, Localized Extremity Swelling, Unilateral Leg Swelling, Unilateral Arm Swelling, Asymmetric Leg Edema, Asymmetric Arm Edema

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II. Pathophysiology

  1. Venous or lymph obstructed flow in 1-2 limbs

III. Causes: Unilateral or Asymmetric Limb Swelling

  1. Acute Unilateral or Localized Edema (<3 months, especially last 72 hours)
    1. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
    2. Superficial Venous Thrombosis
    3. Cellulitis or other soft tissue infection (e.g. Necrotizing Fasciitis)
    4. Local Trauma
      1. Bite (e.g. Insect Bite, Animal Bite)
      2. Soft Tissue Injury (e.g. Ruptured tendon, Fracture, Compartment Syndrome)
  2. Chronic Localized Edema (>3 months)
    1. Venous Insufficiency
    2. Popliteal Cyst (Baker's Cyst)
    3. Localized lymphatic obstruction (Lymphedema)
    4. Postthrombotic Syndrome
    5. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
    6. Proximal vein compression

IV. Causes: Infectious or inflammatory

  1. Boils
  2. Carbuncle
  3. Cellulitis
  4. Abscess
  5. Erysipelas
  6. Osteomyelitis
  7. Gas Gangrene or Necrotizing Fasciitis
  8. Gout
  9. Angioedema

V. Causes: Venous Obstruction

  1. Superficial Thrombophlebitis
  2. Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)
  3. Neoplasm (e.g. pelvic tumor, Lymphoma)
  4. Varicosity (Varicose Veins)
  5. Arteriovenous Fistula
  6. Lymph Node mass
  7. Aneurysm
  8. Tight clothing (e.g. Garter)
  9. May-Thurner Syndrome
    1. Left iliac vein compressed by right iliac artery

VI. Causes: Lymphatic Obstruction

  1. See Lymphedema
  2. Filariasis
  3. Cellulitis
  4. Neoplasm
  5. Surgical excision
  6. Milroy's Disease

VII. Causes: Local Trauma or injury

  1. Bruise or Contusion
  2. Ligamentous Sprain or tendonous strain
  3. Fracture
  4. Insect Bite
  5. Snake Bite
  6. Animal Bite
  7. Irritant or corrosive
  8. Frostbite
  9. Sunburn
  10. Burn Injury
  11. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

VIII. Causes: Congenital

  1. Amniotic band
  2. Arteriovenous Fistula

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