Form of tissue swelling beneath the skin that, when pressed firmly with a finger, will maintain the indentation produced by the finger for a few minutes.
Evidence of fluid in soft tissues, especially those of dependent body parts like the lower extremities. When pressed firmly with a finger, tissues that are swollen with extravascular fluid retain the shape of the depression produced by the finger.
Upon applying pressure to an enlarged region, an observable impression or recess (referred to as a “pit”) is formed, and it requires a certain amount of time for the indentation to gradually refill.
Severe edema where applying finger pressure to the skin’s surface leaves behind small indentations or pits.