Differential Diagnosis for Edema All Over the Body in a Male
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Nephrotic Syndrome: This condition is characterized by heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. It is a common cause of generalized edema due to the loss of albumin, which leads to decreased oncotic pressure and fluid leakage into the interstitial space.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Heart Failure: Edema is a common presentation of heart failure, particularly right-sided heart failure, due to increased venous pressure leading to fluid accumulation in the peripheral tissues.
- Liver Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis can cause edema due to hypoalbuminemia and portal hypertension, leading to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity (ascites) and peripheral tissues.
- Hypothyroidism: Severe hypothyroidism can cause generalized edema (myxedema) due to the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in the skin and other tissues.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: Obstruction of the superior vena cava can cause severe edema of the face, arms, and upper trunk, which can be life-threatening if not promptly recognized and treated.
- Lymphoma: Certain types of lymphoma can cause generalized edema due to lymphatic obstruction or compression.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Massive pulmonary embolism can cause acute right heart failure, leading to severe edema, particularly in the lower limbs.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lipedema: A rare condition characterized by the abnormal growth of fat cells in the legs, leading to chronic swelling and edema.
- Myxedema: A rare condition caused by severe hypothyroidism, leading to the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in the skin and other tissues, resulting in generalized edema.
- Fabry Disease: A rare genetic disorder that can cause edema due to the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide in the blood vessels and other tissues.