Acute inflammatory edema (AIE) is a noninfectious inflammation of the dermis and subcutis (a type of pseudocellulitis) that occurs primarily in critically ill patients. AIE is characterized by erythematous and edematous plaques involving dependent areas, such as the thighs and abdomen, and sparing areas of skin subject to pressure. Risk factors for AIE include obesity, fluid overload, and hypoalbuminemia.

The proposed pathogenesis of AIE is that acute volume overload in the setting of impaired lymphatic drainage leads to the accumulation of dermal edema. This, in turn, is thought to cause microtrauma to the connective tissue in affected areas, with subsequent influx of inflammatory mediators.

AIE differs from cellulitis in that it is nontender.