Venous Insufficiency

last authored:
last reviewed:

 

 

 

Introduction

Dilated saphenous veins is one of the first signs.

 

Edema, RBC extravasation, and hyperpigmenation can also occur.

 

Disabling pain may also be present, and is classicaly relieved by elevation.

 

Long term venous hypertension results in induration of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue (lipodermatosclerosis)

 

The Case of...

a simple case introducing clincial presentation and calling for a differential diagnosis to get students thinking.

return to top

 

 

Causes and Risk Factors

Reflux, mediated by valve incompetence, leads to 80-90% of cases. Obstruction caused by malignancy, pregnancy, etc leads to 10-20%, while failure of the calf muscle pump is responsible for 1-2%.

 

 

 

return to top

 

 

 

Pathophysiology

 

 

used with permission, wikimedia

 

 

 

return to top

 

 

 

Signs and Symptoms

  • history
  • physical exam

History

 

Physical Exam

 

return to top

 

 

 

Investigations

  • lab investigations
  • diagnostic imaging

Lab Investigations

Diagnostic Imaging

 

return to top

 

 

 

Differential Diagnosis

 

return to top

 

 

 

Treatments

 

 

 

 

Consequences and Course

 

 

return to top

 

 

 

The Case of...

Case #2 - a small story wrapping it all up and asking especially about management.

return to top

 

 

 

Additional Resources

 

 

 

return to top

 

 

Topic Development

created:

authors:

editors:

reviewers:

 

return to top