Varicose Veins and Spider Veins Questions & Answers

Updated: Sep 25, 2020
  • Author: Robert Weiss, MD; Chief Editor: William D James, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What are varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What the chronic symptoms of varicose veins?

What are the signs and symptoms of spider veins (telangiectasia)?

How are the symptoms of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia) characterized?

Which physical findings are characteristic of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

Which palpation findings are characteristic of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

Which imaging studies are performed in the evaluation of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of physiologic tests in the workup of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

How are varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia) treated?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What are varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the pathophysiology of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What causes varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the prevalence of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia) in the US?

What is the global prevalence of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the sexual predilection of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the disease course of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the prognosis of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the focus of the clinical history for venous history of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is included in the physical exam for varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia) performed?

Which physical findings are characteristic of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of palpation in the physical exam of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of venous percussion in the physical exam of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of the Perthes maneuver in the physical exam of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of the Trendelenburg test in the physical exam of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of a Doppler exam in the workup of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?

Workup

What is the role of lab testing in the diagnosis of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of imaging studies in the diagnosis of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of MRV in the diagnosis of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of direct contrast venography in the diagnosis of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of color-flow ultrasound imaging in the diagnosis of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of the venous refilling time measurement in the diagnosis of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of maximum venous outflow (MVO) measurement in the diagnosis of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of muscle pump ejection fraction (MPEF) testing in the diagnosis of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

Treatment

What is the role of sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

How are varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia) treated?

Which sclerosants are used in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of laser therapy in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of endovenous laser therapy in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of the stab-avulsion technique (ambulatory phlebectomy) in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What is the role of saphenectomy in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

Which activity modifications are used in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What are the possible complications of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

What are the possible complications of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia) treatment?

How are varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia) prevented?

What is included in the long-term monitoring of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

Medications

What is the role of medications in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia)?

Which medications in the drug class Sclerosing Agent are used in the treatment of Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?