Anasarca

Anasarca
CT scan showing generalized edema of skin
ICD-10	R60.1
ICD-9	782.3

Anasarca Microchapters
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Patient Information
Overview
Classification
Causes
Differential Diagnosis

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 due to increased hydrostatic pressure, increased permeability of the capillaries and decreased oncotic pressure. It exceeds the absorptive capacity of lymph vessels. It exceeds 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.

Classification

The edema is classified in different types depending upon the severity of fluid accumulation assessed clinically.

Grade	Visibility of edema	Pitting over tibia	Level of edema
0+	No	Absent	Cannot assess
1+	Yes	Slight	Cannot assess
2+	Yes	Moderate	Below knee
3+	Yes	Moderate	Above knee
4+	Yes	Severe (cannot reach tibia)	Above knee

Causes

Common Causes

Common causes of anasarca may include:

• Congestive cardiac failure
• Anaphylaxis
• Urticaria
• Hepatic cirrhosis
• Renal failure
• Kwashiorkor disease
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Pregnancy
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Use of certain medications (Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, clonidine, methyldopa, hydralazine, androgen, corticosteroid)

Differential Diagnosis

Diseases	Clinical manifestation	Para-clinical findings		Gold Standard
		Onset	Abdominal distention due to ascities	Associated symptoms	Blood pressure	Tachycardia	Physical examination findings	Lab findings	Imaging } References