Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) Practice Exam

A sudden increase in body weight, combined with the development of bilateral lower extremity pitting edema, may be indicative of?

1. Lipedema

2. Primary lymphedema

3. Congestive heart failure

4. Myxedema

The correct answer is: Congestive heart failure

A sudden increase in body weight, along with the onset of bilateral lower extremity pitting edema, is most suggestive of congestive heart failure. In this condition, the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is impaired, leading to fluid buildup in various parts of the body, particularly the lower extremities. The pitting edema occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the tissues, and when pressure is applied to the swollen area, a temporary indentation is left. This symptom is commonly associated with congestive heart failure due to fluid retention caused by the heart's reduced pumping efficiency. Additionally, the sudden weight gain reflects the retention of fluids rather than an increase in body fat, which is characteristic in cases of heart failure. Other options present different scenarios: lipedema typically presents with a disproportionate accumulation of fat primarily in the lower body but does not usually result in the rapid weight gain or pitting edema associated with heart failure. Primary lymphedema generally has a more gradual onset and is usually unilateral or asymmetric, while myxedema relates primarily to severe hypothyroidism and manifests with non-pitting edema rather than the bilateral pitting observed here. Therefore, the combination of sudden weight gain and bilateral pitting edema strongly points to congest