Idiopathic edema as a cause of nonarticular rheumatism.

Six women, aged 24 to 53, presented with symptoms of diffuse aching, morning stiffness, and fatigue, but demonstrated no objective abnormalities on joint examination or in laboratory studies. Each was found to have idiopathic edema, a disorder of fluid retention probably related to an abnormality of capillary permeability in which transudation of fluid into the subcutaneous tissues of dependent parts may result in swelling and discomfort. The rheumatic symptoms improved when therapeutic measures were directed against the accumulation of edema fluid. This syndrome may account for a minority of cases of nonarticular rheumatism in women.