Idiopathic cyclic edema syndromeR60.9

Idiopathic edema (IE) is a syndrome in which there is real (but sometimes perceived) weight gain due to pathological fluid retention. This syndrome of generalized edema occurs almost exclusively in women.

The word ''cyclic'' in this context describes the alternation between symptom-free and symptomatic periods, which may proceed in a regular or irregular form.

The regular form represents the leading symptom of premenstrual syndrome. Symptoms are present in the second half of the menstrual cycle, and the first phase is symptom-free. The irregular form also shows an undulating course, but it is not closely tied to the menstrual cycle. In some patients, edema-free and edematous phases alternate; in others, only an alternating degree of discomfort is found; symptom freedom no longer occurs.

The exact cause of this disease, however, is not known to date. In principle, capillary permeability is also higher in healthy women than in men. A dysbalance of the female sex hormones is discussed.

Idiopathic edema occurs at the earliest during puberty. In most cases it is found between the ages of 40 and 60.

Hormone analysis (e.g. sex hormones, thyroid hormones); clarification of possible food intolerances. A weight diary (determination of body weight in the morning and evening) is useful.

The diagnosis of IE is one of exclusion and requires a careful history, physical examination, clinical suspicion, and exclusion of other causes.

Differentially, all other forms of edema that tend to generalize must be excluded.

Therapeutically, only a combination of manual lymphatic drainage and compression treatment is effective for this moderately protein-rich edema, with compression tights being sufficient as stockings.

1. Li J et al. (2022) Evaluation on Effect of Acupoint Application to Treat Idiopathic Edema of Perimenopausal Women Using the Segmentation Dictionary Learning Algorithm. Comput Intell Neurosci doi: 10.1155/2022/2196782.
2. Sabatini S (2001) Hormonal insights into the pathogenesis of cyclic idiopathic edema. Semin Nephrol 21:244-250.
3. Whayne TF Jr et al (2018) Idiopathic "Cyclic" Edema: A Frustrating and Poorly Understood Clinical Problem. Cardiovasc Hematol Agents Med Chem 16:88-93.