Diagnosis of leg edema

Abstract

Edema of the lower extremities is always associated with apathological condition that should be treated, especially in patients with chronic wounds. Because the underlying causes of edema can vary greatly and sometimes be complex, clinical and, if necessary, various diagnostic tests should also be performed. Often, asuspected clinical diagnosis can already be made after clinical inspection with testing of Stemmer's and Godet's signs. Sonographic examination should then be performed as the next diagnostic test. Although measurement techniques such as water plethysmography are currently considered gold standard for volume measurements, they are very complex and prone to error, so that they are rarely used in clinical routine today. In summary, it is recommended to perform aclinical examination, if possible in combination with sonography, for edema diagnosis. Especially at the beginning of the decongestion phase, regular circumferential measurements should be performed and documented. This documentation is of high relevance for evaluation of therapeutic success.