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Fluid retention syndrome and fibromyalgia
A A Deodhar1, R A Fisher, C V Blacker
1Duke of Cornwall Rheumatology Unit, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro.
British Journal of Rheumatology
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Fluid retention syndrome (FRS), a poorly understood condition primarily affecting women, often presents with fibromyalgia-like symptoms. Early recognition by rheumatologists is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of this under-diagnosed disorder.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Fluid retention syndrome (FRS), also known as idiopathic edema, is an uncommon condition primarily affecting women.
- FRS is often under-diagnosed and poorly understood, leading to delayed or incorrect diagnoses.
- Symptoms of FRS can be diverse, including headaches, visual disturbances, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, and generalized weakness.
Observation:
- This study describes four cases of FRS presenting with symptoms mimicking fibromyalgia.
- The patients sought rheumatology care due to signs and symptoms consistent with fibromyalgia.
- Common features between FRS and fibromyalgia were noted in these cases.
Findings:
- FRS can present with a constellation of symptoms that overlap significantly with fibromyalgia.
- The diagnostic overlap highlights the challenge in differentiating between these two conditions based on clinical presentation alone.
- Four distinct cases illustrate the potential for FRS to be misdiagnosed as or co-occur with fibromyalgia.
Implications:
- Rheumatologists should consider FRS in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with fibromyalgia-like symptoms.
- Increased awareness of FRS among rheumatologists may improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology of FRS and its relationship with other systemic conditions.