Phlebothrombosis of the deep veins of the lower extremities is a rather serious pathology. It is becoming more and more common today. In this case, we are talking about the formation of blood clots, that is, blood clots that appear in the lumen of deep veins. With the development of the disease, there is a partial or complete overlap of blood flow in the vessels. As a rule, such blood clots are localized in the large veins of the leg.
If we talk about the main distinguishing feature of phlebothrombosis of the lower extremities, then in this case we are talking about a weak fixation of blood clots in the vessels. This is due to the fact that against the background of this disease, inflammatory processes in the veins begin. This provokes the separation of a blood clot and its redirection through the vascular system. This is a very dangerous condition, since it is impossible to predict which part of the body the blood clot will go to. It is also worth noting that phlebothrombosis of the lower extremities is very latent. This leads to the fact that patients seek help at a time when they are already faced withdangerous complications. They can manifest as thromboembolism of different vessels. For example, damage can reach the pulmonary arteries, coronary vessels, kidneys, and even veins in the brain. If there is a detachment of the entire blood clot or a small part of it, then this can be fatal.
General information
According to statistics, in 80% of cases, phlebothrombosis of the lower extremities (ICD-10 code I-80) occurs without any visible symptoms. This is what provokes the development of pulmonary embolism. This condition often leads to death. However, according to official studies, almost every 4 people on Earth suffer from such a pathology.
Most of all, women are predisposed to phlebothrombosis of the deep veins of the lower extremities. The fair sex suffers from this disease 6 times more often than men. Also, people over the age of 40 and those who have problems with being overweight should be more careful.
If we talk about etiology, then in this case there are 3 forms of the disease. Phlebothrombosis of the lower extremities can be congenital, oncological or hormonal. It is worth considering them in more detail.
Congenital phlebothrombosis
In this case, we are talking about the fact that a person suffers from insufficiency in the venous valves, varicose veins, varicose veins or pathological disorders of the elasticity of their membrane. In such situations, serious pathological changes occur in the region of the lower extremities, which lead to the fact that there is a complete violation of proper blood circulation in the human body. As a result, one or more blood clots form.
Oncological form of the disease
If we talk about this type of phlebothrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities, then in this case a similar ailment can develop against the background of:
- Malignant growths that appeared in the pelvic area.
- Cancer of the stomach or pancreas.
- Lung cancer.
As a rule, in order to get rid of such severe pathologies, it is necessary to apply chemotherapy. This negatively affects the walls of blood vessels, their destruction occurs. In addition, when oncology appears, patients lead a very sedentary lifestyle. This negatively affects the natural movement of blood through the human body. In addition, when neoplasms occur, people are often prescribed special drugs that worsen blood clotting. All these actions can lead to the appearance of the first symptoms of phlebothrombosis of the lower extremities. The photo shows how a similar ailment can manifest itself in the future.
It is also worth paying attention to the fact that with such a pathology, the formation of thrombophlebitis often occurs. This disease is characterized by inflammation of the vascular walls.
Hormonal phlebothrombosis
In this case, we are talking about hormonal disruptions that can be observed in the process:
- Carrying a child.
- Using oral contraceptives without first consulting a doctor.
- Pathological disorders in the work of the reproductivesystem.
In addition, hormonal disruptions occur due to fractures, obesity and ailments occurring against the background of poor metabolism, as well as infections, paralysis of the lower extremities, undergone major surgery.
As a rule, women over 40 years of age, who lead a predominantly sedentary lifestyle and often smoke, are most affected by this type of pathology.
Causes of pathology
There are 3 main factors that provoke phlebothrombosis of the lower extremities. First of all, we are talking about damage to the walls of blood vessels (without their rupture). This can happen against the background of long-term mechanical compression of the veins or in a situation of varicose veins. Also, phlebothrombosis can develop with hypocoagulation. This means that there have been some changes that have affected the activity of the blood coagulation process. A similar pathology can be attributed to a slowdown in blood flow in the vessels.
Besides this, there are predisposing factors. Based on this, the disease may appear on the background:
- Surgery.
- Severe bruises or fractures of the lower extremities.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Long and numerous flights.
- Long limb immobilization.
- Diseases that negatively affect activity.
- Smoking, drug use and alcohol abuse.
Symptoms of disease
It is immediately worth noting that the complexity of diagnosing this pathology lies in the fact that for a long time itabsolutely does not show up. Accordingly, there is no clinical picture. This means that at the very beginning of the development of the disease, blood circulation is not disturbed. If you look at the photo of phlebothrombosis of the lower extremities, then it is very difficult to distinguish a diseased leg from a he althy one. It may look like she's just swollen after a hard day.
However, later the pathology begins to manifest itself in the form of rather unpleasant pain sensations of a pulling type. But at the same time, a person cannot clearly determine the localization of pain. It is worth trying to bend the leg and see if it gets worse or the pain in this position.
Initial symptoms are very mild and most often intermittent. That is why people very often do not attach importance to temporary symptoms. Many make allowances for the weather, high blood pressure and other factors. Therefore, they refuse to visit a doctor in order to undergo a standard examination. However, there are a few warning signs to watch out for.
If a person suffers from discomfort or pulling pains under the knee and the discomfort extends to the entire outer or inner surface of the thigh or foot, then you should immediately consult a doctor. Also, a potential patient should be alerted by the fact that while walking he experiences quite serious difficulties.
It is worth being careful for those people who complain of severe swelling and heaviness in the legs, mainly in the evening. If vein occlusion begins, then blood flow is gradually disturbed. It leads toinflammatory processes. The tissues of the affected area cease to receive normal nutrition.
In this case, the symptoms become more pronounced, and the person can independently determine the appearance of swelling in the area of the affected leg. In such situations, you can see clear changes, for example, by looking at this image of a he althy leg and a photo with symptoms of phlebothrombosis of the lower limb. Treatment in this case should be immediate.
In addition, the affected areas on the shins become a little glossy. Subcutaneous veins are more pronounced. Additionally, bluish or brown spots may appear on the lower leg. In this case, the patient complains of severe arching pain (both during movement and at rest). Often, pain begins to radiate to the groin and intensifies as soon as a person stands upright. Additionally, body temperature may rise.
People who have not yet begun treatment for phlebothrombosis of the lower extremities complain of fatigue and tachycardia. Also, additional symptoms include the appearance of ulcers, erosions and microtraumas.
When palpation of the affected area, a person will experience severe pain.
Acute phlebothrombosis of deep veins of the lower extremities
This condition can be observed if a person started thrombosis several months ago, but he did not notice serious changes in his he alth. In this situation, the clinical picture suddenly becomes very stormy. Suchthe condition is considered quite dangerous, since the formed blood clots can come off at any moment, which threatens a person's life. If you do not start immediately identifying symptoms and treating phlebothrombosis of the lower extremities, then there is a risk of death.
In this case, there is a strong outflow of venous blood in the area of the affected limb. However, arterial blood flow is maintained. To determine the acute form, it is enough to look at the affected limb. If she is very swollen, and the skin on her turns blue, then this indicates that it is time to call an ambulance.
It is also worth noting that with an acute manifestation of pathology, the skin becomes quite hot. This is due to serious inflammatory processes that occur in the vessels. In this case, it is necessary to immediately carry out diagnostic measures in order to make an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment of phlebothrombosis of the deep veins of the lower extremities without delay.
Diagnosis
First of all, you need to tell your doctor about all the disturbing symptoms. The specialist will conduct an examination and issue a preliminary verdict. After that, you need to donate blood for analysis (including biochemistry), conduct the necessary tests.
If we talk about hardware research, then, as a rule, in this case, ultrasound of the peritoneal organs, as well as the pelvis, radiography and MRI are performed. The doctor carefully examines the resulting x-ray photo of phlebothrombosis of the lower extremities and the symptoms. Treatment depends on how timely the patientasked for help and from the features of the course of the pathology.
If you start therapeutic measures at an early stage of the disease, then in this case, most likely a favorable outcome. There is a chance to avoid unpleasant consequences. However, the final prognosis for phlebothrombosis of the deep veins of the lower extremities can only be announced when the body begins to respond to therapeutic measures.
Treatment of pathology
When diagnosing this disease, the patient requires immediate hospitalization. Usually, patients are referred to a specialized department or to general surgery, where measures are taken to accurately detect a blood clot. If a floating-type blood clot was detected, then urgent surgical intervention is necessary. As a rule, in this case, a thrombectomy is performed. If the thrombus has moved to the thigh area, then it is necessary to perform excision of the affected vessel. The procedure is done immediately.
But even with the timely action of doctors, there is always a risk that a blood clot will come off or the patient will develop a pulmonary embolism. If specialists are sure of the location of the clot, then before performing the operation, it is necessary to introduce a cavaf altre. This will help prevent dangerous complications.
If we are talking about a milder stage of the disease, then conservative treatment of phlebothrombosis of the deep veins of the lower extremities can be prescribed. In this case, the patient must:
- Stay in bed for at leastweeks.
- Use semi-alcohol compresses to relieve swelling of the lower limb.
- Apply a bandage moistened with heparin ointment to the affected leg.
- Keep the lower limb predominantly elevated (additional elastic compression required).
- Introduce "Heparin" or indirect anticoagulants intravenously. A little later, it will be possible to switch to Warfarin, which is taken orally. However, the use of these medicines is allowed only under the supervision of the attending physician. In the process of taking medications, it is important to monitor the level of blood clotting so as not to provoke a complication.
- Take certain anti-inflammatory drugs. Usually the doctor prescribes Reopirin or Butadion.
- Take antiplatelet agents (like aspirin).
- Administer vascular drugs.
Also, the doctor may prescribe additional medications. They must be taken in a strict dosage, which is selected by a specialist, depending on the characteristics of the patient's condition.
When the acute phase of the pathology has receded, the doctor develops a set of gymnastic exercises for the patient that will help stretch the limbs.
Traditional medicine
Since this disease belongs to the category of rather severe pathologies, natural preparations should be used with extreme caution. Traditional medicine is allowed only if the acute phase of the disease has been removed. However, it must be understood that the patient is taking potentdrugs that thin the blood to prevent more blood clots from forming. If a person starts taking decoctions that also contribute to this process, this will lead to a very low coagulability of the fluid. This condition can even threaten the life of the patient.
In addition, many folk remedies can cause an allergic reaction. If the patient is in serious condition, then it is not worth creating additional problems for the body. The use of herbs and natural ingredients is possible only with the permission of the doctor and on condition that the patient has already been discharged from the surgical department.
Phlebothrombosis of the lower limb (ICD-10 code I-80) is a dangerous condition. Any additional failure in the body can provoke an aggravation.
Forecast and prevention
If the patient asked for help in a timely manner and there was no separation of the blood clot, then there is every chance of a favorable outcome. However, even if a person has successfully completed medical treatment and has begun to recover, there is always a risk of relapse.
Most often, after therapy, patients have post-thrombophlebitic disease. However, it gradually subsides. This occurs simultaneously with the process of recanalization of the affected vein.
It is worth noting that the most dangerous are the first hours after the exacerbation of the disease. According to statistics, it is during this period of time that about 30% of patients die. If the patient remains alive, then in the future he may have a myocardial or lung infarction, acute pulmonary insufficiency, or a number of other pathologies.
If we talk about preventive measures, then first of all you should not allow the development of diseases that can provoke such a dangerous condition. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor your weight, give up bad habits (smoking, alcohol, eating too fatty or s alty foods). At the first sign of varicose veins, treatment should begin immediately.
One must always be prepared for the fact that the formation of blood clots may recur. Therefore, you should always note changes in your state. It is recommended to be examined periodically. Often, experts recommend taking antiplatelet agents. It will not be superfluous to take care of the state of the body's immune system. To do this, include more natural fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Also, experts recommend starting exercise. However, don't get too carried away. Strenuous exercise and strenuous exercise should be avoided. It is worth spending more time outdoors, visiting the pool and ventilating the room in which the person is.
