What term refers to generalized edema in subcutaneous tissue?

Anasarca is the term specifically used to describe generalized edema that affects the subcutaneous tissue throughout the body. This condition involves significant swelling due to the excessive accumulation of interstitial fluid, leading to a widespread appearance of puffiness or swelling. Anasarca can result from various underlying health issues, such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney problems, all of which disrupt the normal balance of fluid in the body's tissues.

Edema is a broader term that generally refers to the accumulation of fluid in specific parts of the body, not necessarily generalized. Hydrops often refers to fluid accumulation in a certain area, particularly in fetal or infant contexts, while effusion typically describes fluid buildup in body cavities, such as pleural or abdominal spaces, rather than in subcutaneous tissue. Thus, anasarca is the precise term that best matches the description of generalized subcutaneous edema.