Classification
There are 2 types of leg edema: venous edema and lymphedema. Venous edema consists of excess low-viscosity, protein-poor interstitial fluid resulting from increased capillary filtration that cannot be accommodated by a normal lymphatic system.[6] Lymphedema consists of excess protein-rich interstitial fluid within the skin and subcutaneous tissue resulting from lymphatic dysfunction.[7] A third type, lipidema, is more accurately considered a form of fat maldistribution rather than true edema.[8]
J Am Board Fam Med. 2006;19(2):148-160. © 2006 American Board of Family Medicine
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