Diagnostic approach to lower limb edema

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Lymphology

Background:

• Lower limb edema is a common clinical presentation requiring vascular specialist evaluation.
• Multiple underlying pathologies can cause leg swelling, frequently with coexisting etiologies.
• The contribution of the lymphatic system to edema is often overlooked.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a diagnostic algorithm for evaluating patients with lower limb edema.
• To provide an efficient pathway for differential diagnosis of leg swelling.
• To emphasize the importance of considering lymphatic system dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of diagnostic approaches for lower limb edema.
• Development of a structured diagnostic algorithm.
• Integration of clinical history, physical examination, laboratory, and imaging data.

Main Results:

• The proposed algorithm facilitates a methodical approach to leg swelling evaluation.
• It aids in differentiating various causes of edema, including vascular and lymphatic origins.
• The algorithm aims to streamline the diagnostic process for clinicians.

Conclusions:

• A systematic diagnostic algorithm is crucial for effectively evaluating lower limb edema.
• Incorporating lymphatic system assessment enhances diagnostic accuracy.
• This approach supports efficient and comprehensive differential diagnosis in vascular medicine.