Oedema
This is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the intercellular spaces of the body. It results from disruption to the physiology of capillary or lymphatic exchange by, for example:
- increased capillary hydrostatic pressure secondary to:
- an elevation of blood pressure at the arterial end of the capillary
- an increase in venous pressure at the venous end of the capillary e.g. heart failure
- an increase in capillary permeability with exudate of intravascular proteins e.g. in acute inflammation
- decreased intercellular lymphatic drainage
Ultimately, exceedingly elevated intercellular pressures may result in spread of fluid into the next available compartment as in pulmonary oedema and ascites.
Reference
- Cho S, Atwood JE. Peripheral edema. Am J Med. 2002 Nov;113(7):580-6.
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