Venous Thromboembolism

Question 1

Define:
a) Varicosities
b) Thrombus
c) Embolus
d) Phlebitis
e) Thrombosis
f) Thrombophlebitis
g) Phlebothrombosis

Answer 1

a) Varicosities: Enlarged, twisted veins, often visible under the skin, that occur when the valves in the veins become weakened or damaged, leading to pooling of blood.
b) Thrombus: A blood clot that forms within a blood vessel (vein or artery), impeding normal blood flow.
c) Embolus: A clot or other substance (like fat, air, or a tumor) that travels through the bloodstream from one location (often a thrombus in a vein) to another site, potentially causing an obstruction in a distant blood vessel.
d) Phlebitis: Inflammation of the vein wall, often associated with pain, redness, and swelling. It can occur as a result of an infection or injury to the vein.
e) Thrombosis: The formation of a blood clot (thrombus) inside a blood vessel, which can obstruct blood flow.
f) Thrombophlebitis: The condition in which there is inflammation of a vein accompanied by the formation of a thrombus. It can lead to pain, swelling, and redness along the affected vein.
g) Phlebothrombosis: The presence of a thrombus in a vein without associated inflammation. It typically occurs in deep veins (deep vein thrombosis - DVT).

Question 2

List 3 Common Areas for Varicosities to Occur.

Answer 2

1. Lower legs (especially around the calf and ankle)
2. Thighs
3. Pelvic veins (less common but can occur during pregnancy)

Question 3

Describe the Etiology of Varicose Veins.

Answer 3

• Vein walls lose their elasticity and become weak
• Valves inside the veins unable to close properly
• Blood pools in the veins, creating increased pressure within them
• Veins become dilated, twisted, and prominent under the skin

Question 4

Describe Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

Answer 4

DVT occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs.

Risk factors:

• Prolonged immobility (e.g., after surgery, long travel, or bed rest)
• Trauma or injury to the vein
• Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Cancer (especially pancreatic, lung, or ovarian)
• Hypercoagulable states (e.g., - Factor V Leiden mutation, antiphospholipid syndrome)
• Varicose veins
• Previous history of DVT

Complications:

• Pulmonary embolism (PE): If a thrombus breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it can block the pulmonary artery, causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
• Post-thrombotic syndrome: Chronic pain, swelling, and skin changes (e.g., ulcers) due to vein damage from the clot.
• Chronic venous insufficiency: Impaired blood flow due to damaged veins can lead to swelling, skin changes, and ulcers.