Venous.2. Varicose veins Flashcards
Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Definition
- Incidence
- Etiology
- MORPHOLOGICAL PICTURE
- CLINICAL PICTURE
- INVESTIGATIONS
- TREATMENT
Definition of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Dilated, elongated & tortuous veins affecting the superficial venous system of the L.L.
Incidence of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
5 - 10%
Etiology of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Primary Varicose Veins
2. Secondary Varicose Veins
Etiology of Primary Varicose Veins in Etiology of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Unknown
- Theories
- Aggravating factors
Theories in Etiology of Primary Varicose Veins in Etiology of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Significance
2. List
Significance of Theories in Etiology of Primary Varicose Veins in Etiology of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
neither of which satisfactorily explains all cases
List of Theories in Etiology of Primary Varicose Veins in Etiology of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- The valvular incompetence theory
2. The weak wall theory
The valvular incompetence theory in List of Theories in Etiology of Primary Varicose Veins in Etiology of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Postulates that incompetence of valves either in the main saphenous trunks or in the.communicating veins are responsible for the condition
The weak wall theory in List of Theories in Etiology of Primary Varicose Veins in Etiology of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Assumes an inherited weakness of the vein wall, producing venous dilatation even with normal pressures.
- Secondary valvular incompetence will occur
Aggravating factors in Etiology of Primary Varicose Veins in Etiology of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Female sex. The condition is commoner in females.
- High parity.
- Marked obesity.
- estrogens intake e.g. contraceptive pills
- Occupations requiring prolonged standing.
Etiology of Secondary Varicose Veins in Etiology of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Pregnancy : Most common cause
- Deep venous thrombosis
- Pelvic tumours
- Arterio-venous fistula
pathogenesis of Pregnancy in Etiology of Secondary Varicose Veins in Etiology of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Oestrogen & progesterone cause smooth muscle vein wall relaxation
Deep venous thrombosis in Etiology of Secondary Varicose Veins in Etiology of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Pathogenesis
2. Timing
Pathogenesis of Deep venous thrombosis in Etiology of Secondary Varicose Veins in Etiology of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Recanalization of the thrombosed deep veins leaves the valves of the deep system & perforating veins incompetent leading to reflux of blood.
Timing of Deep venous thrombosis in Etiology of Secondary Varicose Veins in Etiology of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Occurs 2-5 years after DVT.
MORPHOLOGICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Large vein varicosities :
- Reticular varicosities :
- Spider varicosities
Large vein varicosities in MORPHOLOGICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Site
2. Diameter
Site of Large vein varicosities in MORPHOLOGICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Affecting the LSV or SSV themselves or one of their main tributaries.
Diameter of Large vein varicosities in MORPHOLOGICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Large in diameter : 5-15 mm.
Reticular varicosities in MORPHOLOGICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Site
2. Diameter
Site of Reticular varicosities in MORPHOLOGICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Lying immediately beneath the skin.
Diameter of Reticular varicosities in MORPHOLOGICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
1-5 mm in diameter
Alternative name for Spider varicosities in MORPHOLOGICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Telangiectasia
CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Symptoms
2. Examination
Symptoms in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
A) Early and mild cases
B) Late and severe cases
C) Determining factors
Early and mild cases in Symptoms in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Complain of
- Cosmetic disfigurement
- Swelling of the lower limb
- Postural discomfort & dull aching pain of the limb
- Night muscular cramps.
Swelling of the lower limb in Early and mild cases in Symptoms in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Usually at the end of the day
or
- On prolonged standing.
Postural discomfort & dull aching pain of the limb in Early and mild cases in Symptoms in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Usually at the end of the day
or
- On prolonged standing.
- Relieved by leg elevation.
Late and severe cases in Symptoms in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Present with classical picture of chronic venous insufficiency
classical picture of chronic venous insufficiency in Late and severe cases in Symptoms in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
1- Pigmentation, itching & eczema.
- Venous ulcer.
- Lipodermatosclerosis.
- Venous claudication
Venous claudication in classical picture of chronic venous insufficiency in Late and severe cases in Symptoms in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Patients with severe CVI may develop claudication or bursting pain during walking
- due to very high venous pressure
Determining factors of Symptoms in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Severity and duration of venous hypertension
Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Status of Examination
- Exposure
- Points required to be fulfilled
Status of Examination in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
The patient should be examined while STANDING
Exposure in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
The patient should be exposed up to the umbilicus.
Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Determining
- Etiology of Varicose veins
- Which saphenous system is affected
- The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction
- The competency of the perforators
- The condition of the deep system of veins
- The presence of complications
Determining Etiology of Varicose veins in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Using
- History
- inspection
- palpation
Using History in Determining Etiology of Varicose veins in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
In case of secondary Varicose veins
There will be history Of DVT, previous leg injury, fracture or abdominal surgery
Using inspection in Determining Etiology of Varicose veins in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
In case of secondary Varicose veins
- Varicose veins may be arranged haphazardly
- Presence of complications as oedema, eczema, or ulceration
- Presence of veins crossing the inguinal ligament (with reversed flow)
Using palpation in Determining Etiology of Varicose veins in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Palpation of a thrill over the veins denotes the existence of an A-V fistula.
Determining Which saphenous system is affected in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Using
- Inspection
- Tap lest
Using Inspection in Determining Which saphenous system is affected in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
The site & anatomical distribution of the varicosities
The site & anatomical distribution of the varicosities in Using Inspection in Determining Which saphenous system is affected in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Lateral and then posterior )> Short saphenous system
Medial )> Long saphenous system
Any varicosities above knee )> Long saphenous system even if lateral as no short saphenous above knee
Using Tap lest in Determining Which saphenous system is affected in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
a. Chevrier test
b. Schwartz’s Test
Chevrier test in Using Tap lest in Determining Which saphenous system is affected in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Steps
2. Results
Steps of Chevrier test in Using Tap lest in Determining Which saphenous system is affected in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- With the patient erect, place the fingers of the left hand at the saphenous opening (or any vein above knee).
- Percuss the main bunch of varicosities once with the right middle finger.
Results of Chevrier test in Using Tap lest in Determining Which saphenous system is affected in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
If an upward wave of blood is perceived at the saphenous opening, this indicates that these varicosities belong to the LSS
Schwartz’s Test in Using Tap lest in Determining Which saphenous system is affected in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Steps
- Results
- Disadvantages
Steps of Schwartz’s Test in Using Tap lest in Determining Which saphenous system is affected in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
The saphenous vein is percussed by the index of one hand & palpated distally by the fingers of the other hand.
Results of Schwartz’s Test in Using Tap lest in Determining Which saphenous system is affected in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Only if the valves are incompetent, the wave is transmitted distally
Disadvantages of Schwartz’s Test in Using Tap lest in Determining Which saphenous system is affected in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Other opinion is that the impulse is transmitted along the vessel wall & not the blood column.
Determining The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Using
- Inspection
- Palpation
- Special tests
Using Inspection in Determining The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Saphena-varix may be present
Saphena-varix in Using Inspection in Determining The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Definition
- Examination
- Differential Diagnosis
Definition of Saphena-varix in Using Inspection in Determining The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
This is saccular dilatation of upper end of great saphenous vein opposite incompetent sapheno-femoral valve.
Examination of Saphena-varix in Using Inspection in Determining The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Swelling with the following characters
- Site
- Size
- Shape
- Edge
- Surface
- Consistency
- Color
- Special character
Site of the swelling in Examination of Saphena-varix in Using Inspection in Determining The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
A. Subcutaneous mass in upper part of femoral triangle
B. 4 cm below & lateral to pubic tubercle
Size of the swelling in Examination of Saphena-varix in Using Inspection in Determining The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Variable
Shape of the swelling in Examination of Saphena-varix in Using Inspection in Determining The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
rounded or ovoid
Edge of the swelling in Examination of Saphena-varix in Using Inspection in Determining The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Well defined
Surface of the swelling in Examination of Saphena-varix in Using Inspection in Determining The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Smooth
Consistency of the swelling in Examination of Saphena-varix in Using Inspection in Determining The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
soft or cystic
Color of the swelling in Examination of Saphena-varix in Using Inspection in Determining The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
bluish
Special character of the swelling in Examination of Saphena-varix in Using Inspection in Determining The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Compressible
2. Expansible impulse and thrill on cough
Differential Diagnosis of Saphena-varix in Using Inspection in Determining The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
Femoral hernia ( 99% irreducible ) and other swellings of femoral triangle
Using Palpation in Determining The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Palpation of a thrill over sapheno-femoral junction on cough
- denotes an incompetent sapheno-femoral junction
Using Special tests in Determining The competency of the sapheno-femoral junction in Points required to be fulfilled in Examination in CLINICAL PICTURE of Varicose veins of the Lower Limbs
- Trendlenburg test
2. Morrisey cough impulse test