Differential Diagnosis for Bilateral Lower Extremity Edema with Recent Cervical Neck Injury

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Post-phlebitic syndrome or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) secondary to immobility following cervical neck injury: This is a common complication following trauma, especially when there is prolonged bed rest or limited mobility. The recent cervical neck injury could lead to increased risk of blood clots due to decreased mobility.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Lymphedema: This could be secondary to damage to lymphatic vessels during the cervical neck injury, though it's less common than venous causes.
  • Cardiac causes (e.g., heart failure): The edema could be a sign of an underlying cardiac issue exacerbated by or unrelated to the neck injury.
  • Renal causes (e.g., nephrotic syndrome): Though less directly related to the neck injury, renal issues could cause edema and should be considered, especially if there are other systemic symptoms.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Spinal cord injury with resulting autonomic dysreflexia: This is a life-threatening condition that can occur in patients with spinal cord injuries above T6, leading to severe hypertension and potentially life-threatening complications if not promptly recognized and treated.
  • Superior vena cava syndrome: Though rare, if the cervical neck injury involved significant trauma to the thoracic region, compression of the superior vena cava could lead to edema of the upper body, including the lower extremities in severe cases.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Lymphangioma or other congenital lymphatic malformations: These could be uncovered or exacerbated by the trauma, though they are less likely.
  • Factitious edema (e.g., from self-tightening of bandages or tourniquets): Though rare, factitious disorders should be considered, especially if the edema does not respond to typical treatments or if there are inconsistencies in the patient's story.