Evaluation of Female Leg Edema Through Ultrasonography

Abstract

Peripheral edema is the swelling of lower legs or hands. Venous edema, which differs from lymphedema, occurs when
something disrupts the usual balance of body fluids1
and involves
the accumulation of fluid in the extracellular compartment, which
results in an increase in the volume of interstitial fluid.2
Physiologically, a balance exists between intravascular hydrostatic and oncotic
pressures and the interstitial pressure.3
Transcapillary hydrostatic
pressure tends to drain fluid from blood vessels, whereas oncotic pressure (hypoalbuminemia) tends to produce fluid retention
in 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.4
Thus, fluid movement occurs from the venous system into
the extravascular space. Initially, gravity pulls the fluid down into
both legs and feet.