What are the symptoms of varicose veins in the arms

Varicose veins are tortuous dilation of the veins. There are many types of varicose veins, including varicose veins in the lower limbs. Among them are varicose veins in the arms, which are also varicose veins in the upper limbs. In clinical practice, varicose veins in the upper limbs are relatively rare, but we still need to pay attention to them.

1. Varicose veins of the upper limbs are a group of syndromes caused by obstruction of blood flow through the superior vena cava. Complete or incomplete obstruction of the superior vena cava can be caused by different causes, which obstructs blood return and triggers a series of syndromes. The causes are mostly mediastinal tumors or hilar tumors and mediastinal inflammation, and a few are due to superior vena cava thrombophlebitis.

2. The symptoms of varicose veins in the upper limbs mainly include: edema of the face, neck, upper trunk and both upper limbs. The jugular veins were distended, with superficial varicose veins in the chest and upper abdomen and cyanosis of the skin. Edema of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi causes cough, dyspnea, hoarseness, and wheezing, which are aggravated by lying flat or bending over. Pharyngeal edema, causing difficulty in swallowing. Periorbital edema and conjunctival congestion may be accompanied by proptosis. Cerebral edema and intracranial hypertension cause headaches, dizziness, convulsions, and visual and consciousness disorders. Peripheral venous pressure increases, with venous pressure in the upper limbs higher than in the lower limbs, and antecubital venous pressure often rising to 30-50 cmH2O.

3. Varicose veins are very common, but varicose veins in the upper limbs are rare. The cause of varicose vein syndrome may be complete or incomplete obstruction of the superior vena cava, which may hinder blood return and trigger a series of syndromes: There are many treatments for varicose veins in the upper limbs, including drug therapy, interventional therapy, and surgical treatment, etc. For patients with mild varicose veins, conservative treatment is usually adopted.