2023-10-15 07:34:36
by Antonella Sparvoli
Signs not to be overlooked: pain and burning along the course of a vein in the legs with redness and heat (superficial phlebitis); swelling of the affected limb, with pain and sometimes superficial redness (deep vein thrombosis). Possible complications also include pulmonary embolism
Veins can also become inflamed. Local inflammation following a blood draw or drip, known as phlebitis, is typical. But phlebitis can also have other causes and concern both superficial and deep veins.
What promotes phlebitis
What are the factors that can favor phlebitis?
All conditions that can lead to an alteration of the walls of a vein can cause phlebitis. They range from simple blood sampling to situations in which the pressure inside a vein increases, as can happen in the case of prolonged immobility, pregnancy and alterations of the venous return (varicose veins) – explains Domenico Baccellieri, vascular surgeon and director of the Vein center of the Irccs San Raffaele Hospital in Milan —. When the inflammatory process concerns a superficial vein, we speak of superficial phlebitis, a condition often complicated by the formation of a clot (thrombophlebitis), but which, with the right treatment, almost always has a positive outcome. Deep vein thrombosis, on the other hand, is more complex and fearful, i.e. inflammation, supported by the formation of a thrombus, in a deep vein.
Symptoms
What are the typical symptoms?
Superficial phlebitis should be suspected in the presence of pain and burning along the course of a vein, most often in the legs, accompanied by redness and heat. Sometimes you can also notice a hardening of the affected vein with the formation of a raised cord. Deep vein thrombosis causes significant swelling of the affected limb, with pain and sometimes superficial redness.
Cure
How is phlebitis treated?
The therapy is based on subcutaneous anticoagulants, in particular low molecular weight heparins, which, in case of deep vein thrombosis, are then replaced by oral anticoagulants, since the therapy must be continued for longer times. Venous thrombosis, in its initial stages and in selected patients, can be treated, in addition to anticoagulants, through thromboaspiration with endovascular procedures, which free the vessels from the clot, restoring circulation and reducing the risk of serious complications.
Complications: deep thrombosis and risk of pulmonary embolism
In case of deep vein thrombosis it is necessary to intervene immediately, otherwise there is a risk of serious complications: the most dangerous and on paper lethal is pulmonary embolism which can occur if part of the clot breaks off and obstructs a pulmonary artery. . Another is post-thrombotic syndrome, due to the damage that the clot can cause on the venous walls and valves. Failure to reabsorb the thrombus makes the vessels more rigid and reduced in caliber with consequent poor functioning of the venous system – says Baccellieri -. The increase in venous pressure in the lower parts of the limbs causes an increase in the volume of the limbs themselves and skin changes, which can lead to the formation of venous ulcers. Patients with post-thrombotic syndrome and already stabilized occlusions of the iliac and femoral vessels can benefit from new technologies to recanalize the occluded veins and maintain their patency with venous stents.
October 15, 2023 (changed October 15, 2023 | 07:33)
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
#main #symptoms #treatments #time.news