Analysis of Clinical Experience of Patients with Lower Extremity Edema

Abstract

Objective: Edema of the lower extremities can occur in various situations. We aim to identify the causes of edema commonly encountered in clinical practice and determine the role of vascular specialists in lower extremity edema. Methods: From January 1, 2019, to September 30, 2019, 112 medical records were reviewed retrospectively. We referred to the algorithm for leg edema. We proposed a final diagnosis based on the medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and consultation with other specialists. Results: Among the 112 patients, 42 (37.5%) patients were diagnosed with chronic vascular disease. Overall, 28 (25%) patients had no clearly identified causes and were considered idiopathic. Another 28 (25%) patients had musculoskeletal disorders and 10 (2.9%) patients had medical disease. There were 4 isolated cases of dermatitis, insect bites, pregnancy, and morbid obesity. 24 cases (21.4%) of the 112 patients were diagnosed with lower-extremity varicose veins, with 17 (15.2%) patients showing reflux in the saphenous vein on Doppler ultrasound. Conclusion:In this study, various leg edema indicated the need for interdisciplinary consultations and differential diagnoses. Chronic venous disease treatment does not seem to have an absolute significance in lower extremity edema. But, vascular specialists play the role of a control tower in diagnosing lower extremity edema.