Evaluation of Female Leg Edema Through Ultrasonography

Peripheral edema is the swelling of lower legs or hands. Venous edema, which differs from lymphedema, occurs whensomething disrupts the usual balance of body fluids1and involvesthe accumulation of fluid in the extracellular compartment, whichresults in an increase in the volume of interstitial fluid.2Physiologically, a balance exists between intravascular hydrostatic and oncoticpressures and the interstitial pressure.3Transcapillary hydrostaticpressure tends to drain fluid from blood vessels, whereas oncotic pressure (hypoalbuminemia) tends to produce fluid retentionin blood vessels. Venous edema consists of excess low-viscosity,protein-poor interstitial fluid resulting from increased capillary filtration that cannot be accommodated by a normal lymphatic system.4Thus, fluid movement occurs from the venous system intothe extravascular space. Initially, gravity pulls the fluid down intoboth legs and feet.