Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are abnormally dilated, tortuous superficial veins caused by increased intraluminal pressure and incompetent valves, rarely leading to embolism unlike deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Varicose Veins
- Definition: Abnormally dilated, tortuous superficial veins from prolonged increased intraluminal pressure causing progressive venous wall weakening and valve incompetence
- Superficial veins of the leg affected in up to 20% of men and 33% of women
- Also occur in: oesophagus (portal hypertension), anorectal region (haemorrhoids), spermatic cord (varicocele), broad ligament of uterus
- Obesity, pregnancy (compress IVC), prolonged standing, familial predilection (familial valvular incompetence)
- Pathophysiology: Elevated intraluminal pressure → venous wall dilation → valve incompetence → worsening venous stasis → more dilation (self-perpetuating cycle)
Read this in VASCULAR PATHOLOGY — Must-Know Comprehensive Notes
Varicose Veins
- Abnormally dilated, tortuous veins produced by prolonged increased intraluminal pressure with vessel dilation and incompetence of venous valves
- Superficial veins of the upper and lower leg most commonly involved — venous pressures in these sites can be elevated up to 10 times normal by prolonged dependent posture
- Affect up to 20% of men and one third of women
- Pregnancy — gravid uterus compresses inferior vena cava ↑ venous pressure; explains higher incidence in women
- Familial predilection — reflects defective venous wall development
Read this in VASCULAR PATHOLOGY — Must-Know Notes
What our notes say
- Varicose veins are abnormally dilated, tortuous superficial veins caused by increased intraluminal pressure and incompetent valves, rarely leading to embolism unlike deep vein thrombosis (DVT). (VASCULAR PATHOLOGY — Must-Know Notes)
- | Femoral venous pressure | Rises two- to threefold by 30 weeks | Leg oedema, varicose veins and haemorrhoids | (Physiological changes in pregnancy)
- This comprehensive document covers a broad spectrum of vascular and lymphatic disorders, including common venous conditions like varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis, and their complications. (VASCULAR PATHOLOGY — Must-Know Comprehensive Notes)
- Varicose veins result from prolonged increased intraluminal pressure, leading to venous wall weakening and valve incompetence, and can cause chronic venous insufficiency. (VASCULAR PATHOLOGY — Must-Know Comprehensive Notes)
- This document provides a comprehensive overview of vascular pathology, covering venous disorders such as varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis, and lymphatic conditions including lymphangitis and lymphoedema. (VASCULAR PATHOLOGY — Must-Know Notes)
Study material on Varicose Veins
- VASCULAR PATHOLOGY — Must-Know Notes
- VASCULAR PATHOLOGY — Must-Know Comprehensive Notes
- MCQ: Here are all 40 questions rewritten with **even A/B/C/D spread and no consecutive same-let
Practice questions on Varicose Veins
A patient with longstanding varicose veins develops brownish discolouration and a non-healing ulcer above the medial malleolus. What is the correct term and mechanism for the skin discolouration?
- Erythema nodosum from immune complex deposition in venous endothelium
- Lipodermatosclerosis from fat necrosis caused by venous hypertension
- Chronic contact dermatitis from repeated venous compression bandaging
- Stasis dermatitis (brawny induration) from haemolysis of extravasated RBCs releasing haemosiderin
Answer: D. Stasis dermatitis (brawny induration) results from chronic venous congestion → extravasation of RBCs → haemolysis → haemosiderin deposition → brawny discolouration and fibrosis. ---
Which statement correctly distinguishes superficial varicose veins from deep vein thrombosis regarding pulmonary embolism risk?
- Both carry equal PE risk as thrombus can propagate freely between the systems
- DVT is the major source of PE; embolism from superficial varicose veins is very rare
- Varicose veins carry higher embolism risk due to greater peripheral venous pressure
- Neither causes PE without a concurrent cardiac septal defect
Answer: B. Embolism from superficial varicose veins is very rare. DVT — particularly in popliteal, femoral, and iliac veins — is the major source of potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. ---