Leg Edema

Presentation

A patient presents with swelling of the lower extremity. It may be mildly painful, but there has been no trauma. The patient denies any fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or other systemic symptoms.

Peripheral edema can be categorized in two different ways: unilateral versus bilateral and pitting versus non-pitting. The list of differential diagnoses varies; a comprehensive history, physical exam, and target laboratory testing are paramount.