VENOUS DISEASES

DILATATION PATHOLOGY - ANEURISMA

Dilatation of a blood vessel is referred to as an aneurysm.
Aneurysm is very frequent in the arteries while it is particularly rare in the case of veins. Though rare, it should not be underestimated, since inside the aneurysm-dilatation the blood creates tiny whirlpools that can lead to the depositing of coagulates (thromboses) on the vein walls.
These thromboses can lead to pulmonary embolism. Aneurysms can take various forms, as shown in Professor Oscar Maleti's classification of venous aneurysms in the accompanying figure. When ultrasound scanning (Doppler or duplex) reveals the presence of a venous aneurysm it is necessary to correct it so as to avoid the risk described above.

Correction, when possible, is based on the simple covering of the aneurysm (the aneurysm is wrapped in a material able to reinforce the vein wall so that, in the standing position, the dilatation is contained). Should it prove impossible to perform this operation, other techniques are available such as resection or implant.