anasarca

n.
A general accumulation of serous fluid in various tissues and body cavities.

[Middle English, from Medieval Latin : Greek ana, throughout; see ana- + Greek sarx, sark-, flesh.]

anasarcous an'a·sar'cous (-sär'kəs) adj.

(an′əsär′kə)
n

(dropsy), generalized edema.

Extensive subcutaneous edema; an expression of a generalized edema such as occurs in congestive heart failure. There is diffuse subcutaneous swelling which is cool to the touch and retains the imprint of a fingertip after pressure is released—hence ‘pitting edema’. The principal locations are the intermandibular space and the ventral aspects of the neck and trunk. In horses the limbs are also commonly involved.

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