Oedema protein concentrations for differentiation of cellulitis and deep vein thrombosis.

The differentiation between cellulitis and deep vein thrombosis was investigated in a series of patients with acutely swollen, painful, red legs. Oedema-fluid protein concentrations (as mean [SD]) were significantly higher in patients with cellulitis than in those with deep vein thrombosis (19.8 g/l [5.