Bilateral lower limb oedema due to a distended urinary bladder

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Urology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Bilateral lower limb oedema is a common clinical presentation with diverse aetiologies.
• Venous obstruction is a significant cause of peripheral oedema.
• Urinary bladder distension is an uncommon but treatable cause of venous compromise.

Observation:

• A 91-year-old male presented with bilateral lower limb oedema.
• Physical examination revealed a distended urinary bladder.
• The oedema was attributed to extrinsic venous compression by the enlarged bladder.

Findings:

• Urethral catheterisation successfully decompressed the urinary bladder.
• Prompt and complete resolution of bilateral lower limb oedema was noted post-catheterisation.
• This suggests a direct causal link between bladder distension and oedema.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider urinary bladder distension in the differential diagnosis of bilateral lower limb oedema, especially in elderly patients.
• Simple palpation of the lower abdomen can aid in diagnosis.
• Urethral catheterisation offers a straightforward and highly effective treatment, highlighting the importance of a thorough urological assessment.