oedema

Last reviewed 01/2018

This is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the intercellular spaces of the body. It results from disruption to the physiology of capillary or lymphatic exchange by, for example:

• increased capillary hydrostatic pressure secondary to:
• an elevation of blood pressure at the arterial end of the capillary
• an increase in venous pressure at the venous end of the capillary e.g. heart failure
• an increase in capillary permeability with exudate of intravascular proteins e.g. in acute inflammation
• decreased intercellular lymphatic drainage

Ultimately, exceedingly elevated intercellular pressures may result in spread of fluid into the next available compartment as in pulmonary oedema and ascites.