Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Encyclopedia

Pitting edema on the leg

Pitting edema on the leg

Pitting edema occurs when fluid collects in the tissue. By pressing a thumb or finger firmly against the tissue for a few seconds, a dent can be produced. When the finger is withdrawn the dent may persist for several minutes.

Update Date: 12/15/2006

Updated by: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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