Venous Insufficiency

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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.

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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%.

 

 

 

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Pathophysiology

 

 

used with permission, wikimedia

 

 

 

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Signs and Symptoms

  • history
  • physical exam

History

 

Physical Exam

 

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Investigations

  • lab investigations
  • diagnostic imaging

Lab Investigations

Diagnostic Imaging

 

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Differential Diagnosis

 

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Treatments

 

 

 

 

Consequences and Course

 

 

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The Case of...

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

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Additional Resources

 

 

 

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Topic Development

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