Phlebectasia Meaning, Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Phlebectasia is a genetic vascular anomaly that affects the veins of a limb. It is caused by a defect in the veins during development. These changes are related to an increase in the size of capillaries, which causes the formation of capillary lakes, although there are no aberrant connections with the arterial circulation. It consists of noticeable enlargement and globular dilatation of venous channels. It has been suggested that the disorder could be a variation of cavernous hemangioma.

In terms of clinical manifestations, the patient may have a feeling of heaviness, soreness, and exhaustion in the affected extremity, even with very light effort. The blood-filled dilated venous sinusoids are visible upon examination as numerous superficial, thin-walled channels, giving the limb a cyanotic look. The prominent veins have normal blood pressure, as shown by the fact that they deflate when the extremity is raised above the level of the heart. The area around the lesion doesn't exhibit any unusual thrills, pulsations, or bruits. Venography makes it possible to see how the venous network is structured.

Definition

The time phlebectasia refers to an abnormal saccular or globular dilation of a vein. It varies from the term varix, which, by definition, denotes plain tortuousness. Because the internal jugular system is relatively consistent in its growth, developmental defects like phlebectasia are uncommon.

Symptoms

The symptoms of internal jugular vein phlebectasia include a swelling in the neck that is usually unilateral, has a soft appearance, and is compressible; the mass grows in size when the patient strains, such as when they sneeze, coughs, or cry, and it can be stretched using the Valsalva technique. Children are more likely to develop jugular vein phlebectasia on the right side of the neck and more frequently in boys than in girls. 

Causes

The pathophysiology of this condition is still not fully clear. Idiopathic or gross anatomic abnormalities, mechanical constriction or trauma, genetic structural anomalies in the vein wall, or any combination of these might be the root cause of the condition. This is a benign illness that does not typically cause any symptoms and is more prevalent in young men than in women; males are twice as likely to be affected as females.

Treatment

For purposes of making a diagnosis, the Valsalva maneuver is of the utmost significance. Due to its precision, safety, and affordability, diagnostic procedures like ultrasound or CDFI—or both—in combination with the Valsalva breathing test are chosen to confirm the diagnosis of Jugular venous pressure. 

Surgery is suggested for psychological and cosmetic reasons. For the majority of patients, excision or ligation of the affected jugular vein is a highly secure, uncomplicated, and successful procedure. However, lesions of the bilateral or right internal jugular veins may aid from and warrant the recommendation of, venoplasty plus encapsulation.