The many faces of idiopathic oedema of women.

or periodic swelling in young women has been described for many years (Thorn, 1957) the episodic nature of physical signs and unfamiliarity with its variable presentation may frequently delay diagnosis. This, together with a lack of sustained clinical response to diuretics, the apparent but inappropriate symptomatic therapy, has caused considerable resentment and frustration to patient and doctor alike (Leading Article, 1976). This report draws attention to the unnecessary investigations and potentially hazardous treatment that may result from its variable presentation.