Differential Diagnosis for Swelling of Hands and Legs
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Heart Failure: This is a common cause of swelling (edema) in the hands and legs, particularly in older adults or those with a history of heart disease. The swelling is due to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the body.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Kidney Disease: Conditions such as nephrotic syndrome or chronic kidney disease can cause edema due to the kidneys' reduced ability to filter and remove waste and excess fluids from the body.
- Liver Disease: Cirrhosis and other liver conditions can lead to edema, especially in the legs, due to the liver's decreased ability to metabolize proteins and the subsequent buildup of fluid.
- Lymphedema: A condition characterized by the abnormal collection of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial tissue, leading to swelling of one or more extremities.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although less common as a cause of bilateral swelling, DVT can cause significant swelling in one leg and is a medical emergency due to the risk of pulmonary embolism.
- Sepsis: In severe cases, sepsis can cause widespread edema due to increased vascular permeability and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
- Severe Hypothyroidism (Myxedema): A condition that can cause non-pitting edema, particularly of the hands, feet, and face, and is critical to diagnose due to its impact on multiple bodily systems.
Rare Diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A condition that can cause edema among other symptoms due to the formation of granulomas in various parts of the body, including the lungs, skin, and eyes.
- Amyloidosis: A group of diseases characterized by the accumulation of amyloid (a particular type of protein) in various organs, which can lead to edema among other symptoms.
- Fabry Disease: A rare genetic disorder that can cause edema, among other symptoms, due to the buildup of a particular type of fat in the body's cells.