Patología venosa y linfática

Chronic venous disease is manifested by a spectrum of signs and symptoms, including cosmetic spider veins, asymptomatic varicosities, large painful varicose veins, edema, hyperpigmentation and lipodermatosclerosis of skin, and ulceration. Treatment options range from conservative (eg, medications, compression stockings, lifestyle changes) to minimally invasive (eg, sclerotherapy or endoluminal ablation), invasive (surgical techniques). Deep venous thrombosis of the lower limbs, ranges from asymptomatic, incidentally discovered emboli to massive embolism causing immediate death. Chronic sequelae of venous thromboembolism (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) include the post-thrombotic syndrome. Diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of death, and appropriate primary prophylaxis is usually effective. Chronic limb swelling due to lymphedema is not only a marked cosmetic deformity but, in most patients, it is also a disabling condition. Complications can be severe and include bacterial and fungal infections, chronic inflammation, wasting, immunodeficiency, and, occasionally, malignancy.