IV. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Leg swelling can be caused by only a few processes. One is blockage of venous return. Thrombosis is the most common cause, but rarely masses that press on the veins can also cause edema. Lymphatic obstruction due to lymphadenompathy can also lead to leg swelling. One can also see leg swelling as part of generalized edema such as found in heart failure or liver disease. Inflammation of the skin can lead to leg swelling. The most common cause of this is cellulitus, but it can also be seen with vasculitis processes such as erythema nodosum.