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| | edema on Encyclopedia.com (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-01) |
 | | EDEMA [edema], abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body tissues or in the body cavities causing swelling or distention of the affected parts. |
 | | Edema of the ankles and lower legs (in ambulatory patients) is characteristic of congestive heart failure, but it can accompany other conditions, including obesity, diseased leg veins, kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, anemia, and severe malnutrition. |
 | | Edema is the result of venous ulceration, which is often caused by an increase in tissue pressure (increased fluid within the tissue) because of increased capillary permeability. |
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