Peripheral Edema Differential Diagnoses
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Heart Failure: This is often the most common cause of peripheral edema, particularly in older adults. Heart failure leads to fluid buildup in the body, causing swelling in the legs and feet.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency: This condition occurs when the veins have problems returning blood from the legs to the heart, leading to fluid accumulation and swelling.
- Renal Failure: Kidney dysfunction can lead to fluid retention, resulting in peripheral edema.
- Liver Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis can cause fluid buildup in the body, leading to edema, particularly in the legs.
- Hypothyroidism: This condition can cause fluid retention and swelling, although it is less common than other causes.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, such as calcium channel blockers, NSAIDs, and steroids, can cause peripheral edema as a side effect.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although less common, DVT is a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause peripheral edema. It requires immediate medical attention.
- Lymphoma or Other Malignancies: Certain cancers can cause peripheral edema, either directly or through lymphatic obstruction.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: This condition involves significant protein loss in the urine, leading to fluid retention and edema.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lipedema: A rare condition characterized by the abnormal growth of fat cells in the legs, leading to swelling and pain.
- Sarcoidosis: An autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in various parts of the body, including the legs.
- Fabry Disease: A genetic disorder that can cause peripheral edema, among other symptoms, due to the accumulation of a particular type of fat in the body.