Pitting oedema of both legs

Cardiac failure and hypoalbuminaemia are common causes of this condition in terminally ill patients. Venous thromboembolism is thought to be present in up to 50% of terminally ill patients and usually presents with insidious painless swelling that may be associated with episodes of breathlessness. Lymphoedema, a protein rich exudate, is indistinguishable from other causes of oedema in the early stages. In time (weeks to months) the protein becomes organised and fibrosed and clinically becomes as 'non-pitting'.