Anasarca
Anasarca | |
CT scan showing generalized edema of skin | |
ICD-10 | R60.1 |
ICD-9 | 782.3 |
Anasarca Microchapters |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mydah Sajid, MD[2]
Synonyms and keywords: Generalized edema, generalized swelling, leucophlegmatia
Overview
Edema is characterized by the collection of excess fluid in the interstitial space. Anasarca is severe edema characterized by swelling throughout the body. The main underlying cause of edema is an imbalance in the hemodynamic status of the capillaries resulting in excess filtration of fluid in the intercellular space exceeding the absorptive capacity of lymph vessels. It can be caused by systemic diseases including chronic heart failure, liver cirrhosis, hypersensitivity reaction, and chronic renal failure.