Anasarca (or "generalized edema") is a medical symptom characterised by widespread swelling of the skin due to effusion of fluid into the extracellular space.

It is usually caused by either cardiac failure, liver failure or renal failure.

It can also be created from the administration of exogenous intravenous fluid.

Certain plant-derived anticancer chemotherapeutic agents, such as docetaxel, cause anasarca through a poorly understood capillary leak syndrome.

This symptom is also called leucophlegmatia.

See also

• edema

Medical signs

Anasarka