Peripheral venous disorders Flashcards
what are varicose veins
dilated, tortuous superficial veins in the lower extremities
15% of adults
most commonly affects the great saphenous vein and its branches
pathophys of varicose veins
- distention of the vein –> weakened/incompetent valves–>dilation along the vein
- dilation –> increased pressure and distention of the vein segment below that valve –> progressive failure of the next lower valve –> increased dilation
- perforating veins may become incompetent as well –> reflux of blood from the deep system into the superficial system which results in increasing venous pressure and distention
risk factors for varicose veins
genetics
prolonged standing or heavy lifting
pregnancy
congenital or acquired AV fistulas or venous malformations (young pts)
primary varicose veins
originate in the superficial system
more common in females than males
1/2 of these pts have a FH of varicose veins
secondary varicose veins
originate in deep system (occlusions)and perforating veins (incompetent)
s/s of varicose veins
- does not correlate to the # and size of varicosities
- asymptomatic or symptomatic
- if present, develop after standing for long periods and relieved with rest –> dull ache/heaviness or fatigue of the legs
- venous stasis dermatitis may be present above the ankle or directly over a large varicosities
- veins may be visible when standing
- may only be palpable in obese pts
- if chronic, a brownish pigmentation and thinning of the skin above the ankle may be present
imaging of varicose veins
-duplex u/s is the test of choice for planning therapy to localize the site of venous reflux
ddx for varicose veins
- chronic venous insufficiency
- leg pain/discomfort from secondary cause: arthritis, radiculopathy, arterial insufficiency
- congenital malformation/atresia of deep veins in adolescent pts
complications of varicose veins
- superificial venous thrombosis (rare)
- bleeding (secondary to trauma, more common in older pts)
- increased amount of bleeding d/t increased pressure in the varicosity
tx of varicose veins
-nonsurgical
avoid prolonged standing compression stockings (medium to heavy weight) when standing leg elevation when possible
tx of varicose vein
-surgical
endovenous ablation (radiofrequency or laser) - vein strippin or sclerotherapy
greater saphenous vein striping
phlebectomy
compression sclerotherapy
when to refer to a vascular surgeon for varicose veins
- bleeding from varicose vein
- superficial venous thrombosis
- pain
- cosmetic concerns
what is superficial venous thrombosis
- pain localized to site of superficial thrombus
- indurated,warm, red, tender cord extending along a superficial vein (common along the saphenous vein)
most common cause of superficial venous thrombsis
short tern IV cath and PICC lines
superficial venous thrombosis can cause pulmonary emolus T/F
FALSE
risk factors for superficial vein thrombosis
- pregnancy/postpartum
- varicose veins
- thromboangitits obliterans
- trauma
- systemic hypercoagulability
ddx of superficial vein thrombosis
- cellulitis
- erythema nodosum
- erythem induratum
- lympangtitis
- DVT
tx of superficial vein thrombosis
- supportive - elevation, warm compresses, and NSAIDS
- anticoagulation - ONLY INDICATED if a thrombus has developed in the thigh or arm and it is extending toward the saphenofemoral junction (leg) or the cephalo-axillary junction (arm)
- –to prevent extension of the thrombus into the deep vein system
definition of chronic venous insufficiency
condition that occurs when the venous wall and or valves in the leg veins are not working effectively
it becomes difficult for blood to return to the hear from the legs
causes blood to pool or collect in these veins (Stasis)
prevalence of chronic venous insufficiency
40% of people in the US have CVI
more frequent in people >50
more common in females than males
causes of chronic venous insufficiency
- changes secondary to acute DVT (post thrombotic syndrome) - delayed complication
- hx of leg trauma
chronic venous insufficiency is associated with what conditions
associated with the following - varicose veins, pelvic tumor/mass that is obstructing the pelvic veins, vascular malformations
pathophys of chronic venous insufficiency
valve leaflets either thickened and scarred (post thrombotic syndrome ) or functionally inadequate (varicose/refluxed vein)
-causes abnormally high hydrostatic forces that are transmitted to the subcutaneous veins and tissues of the lower leg - results in edema which over time causes secondary changes
secondary changes occur from what in chronic venous insufficiency
occur from chronic edema
- fibrosis of the subcutaneous tissue and skin
- pigmentation of the skin (hemosiderin)
- ulcerations that are slow to heal
- varicosities may develop if d/t post thrombotic event
risk factors of chronic venous insufficiency
DVT varicose veins obesity pregnancy inactivity smoking extended periods of standing or sitting females age >50
primary symptom of chronic venous insufficiency
progressive pitting edema of the leg is the primary presenting symptoms