title: Fluid retention syndrome and fibromyalgia.
abstract: Fluid retention syndrome (FRS) or idiopathic oedema is an unusual clinical entity almost exclusively seen in women, which remains under-diagnosed and poorly understood. It can produce a variety of symptoms ranging from headaches and blurring of vision to abdominal pains and diarrhoea [1]. More commonly it presents with symptoms of bloating, fatigue and generalized weakness. We describe four cases of FRS who presented to the rheumatology clinic with signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia. We also discuss the common features of these two conditions and argue that rheumatologists need to be aware of this condition.
authors.affiliation: Duke of Cornwall Rheumatology Unit, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Deodhar
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: C V
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Blacker
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Woolf
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004487:Edema / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged