Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
08:05
Occlusion of the Great and Small Saphenous Vein Using Copolymeric Glue Based on N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Methacryloxy Sulfolane
Published on: December 9, 2022
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[Systemic disease as cause of leg swelling]
1HYKS, Meilahden sairaala, sisätautien laitos.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja
|October 29, 2013
Summary
Symmetrical leg swelling is common in older adults, particularly women. Lower limb venous insufficiency is the most frequent cause, though other serious conditions are ruled out first.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Vascular Medicine
- Internal Medicine
Context:
- Symmetrical leg swelling is a prevalent condition in the aging population, especially women.
- While often benign, it necessitates differential diagnosis to exclude serious underlying pathologies.
- Venous insufficiency is identified as a primary cause in individuals over 50.
Purpose:
- To summarize the common causes and diagnostic considerations for symmetrical leg swelling.
- To highlight venous insufficiency as a leading etiology in the elderly.
- To emphasize the importance of excluding systemic diseases like heart, liver, or kidney failure.
Summary:
- Symmetrical leg swelling, common in the aged, is frequently caused by lower limb venous insufficiency.
- Pitting edema can manifest in both venous insufficiency and right-sided heart failure.
- Initial evaluation involves excluding major organ diseases and reviewing medication history.
Impact:
- Provides a concise overview for clinicians managing leg edema in older patients.
- Emphasizes the diagnostic pathway for symmetrical leg swelling.
- Contributes to understanding the epidemiology and common etiologies of edema in geriatric populations.
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