A. Edema or Dropsy
– accumulation of fluid in the tissues
1. Causes
a.
b.
c.
d.
increased permeability of capillary walls
increased capillary pressure due to venous obstruction or heart failure
inflammatory conditions
fluid and electrolyte disturbances
A. Edema or Dropsy
2.
a. Anasarca
– generalized edema in the sub-cutaneous tissues
– often seen with:
– Heart Failure
– especially around the feet and ankles
– Liver Disease
– Kidney Disease
EXAMPLES
– may be the result of generalized passive hyperemia
b. Ascites
– serous fluid in the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity
d. Hydropericardium
– serous fluid in the pericardial sac
e. Hydrocele
– serous fluid in a sac-like cavity
– often occurs in the scrotum due to inflammation of the testes or other parts
c. Hydrothorax
– serous fluid in the thoracic or pleural cavity