Varicose veins, Lymphoedema Flashcards
Pathophysiology of varicose veins
One-way flow from supficial → deep normally maintained by valves
Valve failure → ↑ pressure in sup veins → varicosity
3 main sites for varicose veins
- Saphenofemoral Junction: 3cm below and 3cm lateral to pubic tubercle
- Saphenopopliteal Junction: popliteal fossa
- Perforators: draining Great saphenous vein
Hunter’s varicose vein
medial thigh perforator
Cockett’s varicose vein
3 medial calf perforators
primary causes of varicose veins
- Congenitally weak or absent valves
- Prolonged standing
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
Secondary causes of varicose veins
DVT
Constipation
Overactive pumps (e.g. cyclists)
Klippel-Trenaunay
Klippel Trenaunay syndrome
Port wine stain
Varicose veins
Limb hypertrophy (bone/soft tissue)
Symptoms of varicose veins
Pain
Tingling
Bleeding
Swelling
Skin changes of varicose veins
Venous stars
Haemosiderin deposition
Lipodermatosclerosis (panniculitis)
Atrophie blanche
Venous stars
From raised intravenous pressure
Cannot be obliterated by pressure
Panniculitis
inflammation of fat
Lipodermatosclerosis
A type panniculitis
Induration (hardening) of the skin of lower legs in venous insufficiency
Atrophie blanche
White scar on lower leg
sign of vascular inflammation
Thrombophlebitis
clot in vein, could be supreficial or deep
Varicose eczema aka
gravitational eczema
Investigations for varicose veins
- Duplex ultrasonography
- Bloods: FBC, U+E, clotting, G+S
- CXR, ECG
When to refer a patient with varicose veins
Bleeding
Pain
Ulceration
Superficial thrombophlebitis
Severe impact on QoL
classification of chronic venous disease
CEAP classification
- Clinical signs (1-6 + sympto or asympto)
- Etiology
- Anatomy
- Pathophysiology
Conservative management of varicose veins
Lose weight
Relieve constipation
Education (Avoid prolonged standing, Regular walks)
Class II Graduated Compression (Stockings 18-24mmHg, symptomatic relief and slows progression)
Skin Care (Maintain hydration with emollients, Treat ulcers rapidly)