VARICOSE VEINS

Varicose veins are common in the lower extremities and are usually not a sign of other disease. Varicose veins of the rectum are called hemorrhoids and can be a sign of cirrhosis of the liver or portal vein obstruction from other causes. Distention of the abdominal veins may be due to cirrhosis of the liver, thrombosis of the inferior vena cava, or distention of the abdomen due to a large tumor (e.g., ovarian cyst), ascites, or massive hepatic or splenic enlargement. Varicose veins of the thorax and upper extremities are seen in mediastinal malignancies (primary or metastatic), thoracic aortic aneurysms, and chronic fibrous mediastinitis.

DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP

Obviously, a liver profile will be important. Chest x-rays and a flat plate of the abdomen should be routine. When these fail to identify a lesion--and even when they do identify a lesion--it is often necessary to get a CT scan of the thorax or abdomen. Exploratory surgery may be necessary to establish a tissue diagnosis, as biopsy may be dangerous.

Book Source Details

• Book Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs
• Author(s): R. Douglas Collins
• Year of Publication: 2003
• Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.

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More About This Book: Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs Authors: R. Douglas Collins Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Copyright: 2003 ISBN: 0-7817-3805-9

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