Soft tissue swelling due to abnormal expansion of interstitial fluid volume. Edema fluid is a plasma transudate that accumulates when movement of fluid from vascular to interstitial space is favored. Because detectable generalized edema in the adult reflects a gain of ≥3 L, renal retention of salt and water is necessary for edema to occur. Distribution of edema can be an important guide to cause.
Section 3. Common Patient Presentations