Varicose veins Flashcards
1
Q
Risk factors for varicose veins (6)
A
- Female
- Age
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Prolonged standing
- Leg injury
2
Q
Aetiology of varicose veins (4)
A
- Incompetent perforating veins
- Hyperhomocysteinaemia (corrodes veins)
- Pelvic vein reflux
- Secondary to DVT (development of collateral pathways)
3
Q
Pathophysiology of varicose veins
A
Haemostatic pressure + valvular incompetence from dilatation = backward flow and further dilatation
4
Q
Symptoms of varicose veins (3)
A
- Varicose veins
- Aching, heavy legs
- Ankle swelling
5
Q
Signs of varicose veins (9)
A
OPEN VAULT C
- Oedema
- Pigmentation
- Eczema
- Non-healing injury
- Varicose veins
- Atrophie blanche
- Ulcers
- Lipodermosclerosis
- Telangiectasia
- Canal sign
6
Q
C0-C6 staging
A
- C0 - nothing
- C1 - telangiectasia or reticular veins
- C2 - varicose veins
- C3 - oedema
- C4 - skin changes
- C5 - skin changes + healed ulcer(s)
- C6 - skin changes + active ulcer(s)
7
Q
Management of varicose veins (conservative and active)
A
Conservative
- Graduated compression stockings
- Leg elevation
- NSAIDs
- Topical gels
Active
- Surgical (stripping, venous ligation)
- Non-surgical (sclerotherapy, ablation)
8
Q
Complications of varicose veins (4)
A
- Dermatitis
- Venous ulcers, which can turn into carcinomas or sarcomas
- Severe bleeding from minor trauma
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
