massive vulvar oedema
massive vulvar oedema
Oedema of severe magnitude that almost invariably arises in a background of systemic disease.Aetiology
Pregnancy, hypoproteinaemia, tocolysis, vulvovaginitis, Crohn's disease, artificial ascites for adhesiolysis with dextran and pre-eclampsia.
DiffDx
Infections, neoplasms, congenital lymphatic anomalies, trauma, inflammation, metabolic disorders.
Management
Treat underlying disease, including hypoproteinaemia, if present.
Prognosis
While it usually follows a banal course, massive vulvar oedema that develops in the immediate postpartum period has a high mortality and causes maternal death due to vascular collapse.