What is the differential diagnosis of chronic leg edema in primary care?

Abstract

The differential diagnosis, in descending order, includes: elevated pulmonary artery pressure (often due to obstructive sleep apnea), congestive heart failure, idiopathic causes, venous insufficiency, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and proteinuria (>1 g daily) (strength of recommendation: B, based on a nonconsecutive diagnostic cohort study with good reference standards).