Differential diagnosis of chronic lower limb oedema / lymphoedema.

All cases of lower limb oedema occur as a result of abnormal drainage of lymphatic fluid. In other words, “all oedema is lymphoedema”. However, there are different causes for chronic oedema and these should be considered by the healthcare provider, as the cause may influence the patient’s management. Causes of chronic oedema include certain medications, venous disease, trauma, chronic inflammatory disease, or primary lymphoedema, but there are many more to be considered. This talk aims to provide an approach to assessing the patient with chronic oedema.

Dr Kristiana Gordon, Consultant in Dermatology and Lymphovascular Medicine, St George’s Hospital