Acute inflammatory edema

Background

• Non-infectious inflammation of dermis and subcutis
• Most common in critically ill patients
• Other risk factors include obesity, fluid overload, and hypoalbuminemia
• Thought to result from edema causing microtrauma to the connective tissue

Clinical Manifestations

• Erythema and edema in the dependent areas
• Most commonly thighs and abdomen

Differential Diagnosis

• Other causes of pseudocellulitis