Surgical Treatment of the Great Saphenous Vein Aneurysm Resulting in Pulmonary Embolization in Two Patients

Acute Thrombosis of an Aneurysm of the Small Saphenous Vein: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

A venous aneurysm (VA) is a focal dilatation of a nonvariceal vein (diameter increased by at least 1.5 times compared to the adjacent upstream or downstream venous segment), which carries a risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) when located in the deep veins of the lower limbs but also when it affects the veins above the muscle fascia.

CASE

We report the case of a 40-year-old woman who presented with a painful and disabling mass-like lesion of the upper third of the right calf. A Doppler ultrasound (DUS) examination revealed a small saphenous vein (SSV) dilated at the saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ) and thrombosed along its entire length. Anticoagulant treatment was initiated but although the thrombosis regressed on DUS, the functional impotence and the persistence of pain prompted a stripping of the SSV. Histology allowed the diagnosis of SSV's primary aneurysm.

DISCUSSION

Dilated segments of the saphenous vein are not always varicose veins (VVs). True VAs can develop on veins located above the muscular fascia and, like deep VAs, may trigger VTE. Small saphenous vein aneurysms have seldom been reported, and only a few clinical observations have described the thrombosis of a SSV aneurysm. Any mass in the popliteal fossa or upper part of the calf should be examined by DUS to look for an SSV aneurysm. Excision of the saphenous vein with junctional ligation is advised if thrombosis is present at the time of diagnosis.

The 2023 Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum, and American Vein and Lymphatic Society clinical practice guidelines for the management of varicose veins of the lower extremities. Part II: Endorsed by the Society of Interventional Radiology and the Society for Vascular Medicine

The Society for Vascular Surgery, the American Venous Forum, and the American Vein and Lymphatic Society recently published Part I of the 2022 clinical practice guidelines on varicose veins. Recommendations were based on the latest scientific evidence researched following an independent systematic review and meta-analysis of five critical issues affecting the management of patients with lower extremity varicose veins, using the patients, interventions, comparators, and outcome system to answer critical questions. Part I discussed the role of duplex ultrasound scanning in the evaluation of varicose veins and treatment of superficial truncal reflux. Part II focuses on evidence supporting the prevention and management of varicose vein patients with compression, on treatment with drugs and nutritional supplements, on evaluation and treatment of varicose tributaries, on superficial venous aneurysms, and on the management of complications of varicose veins and their treatment. All guidelines were based on systematic reviews, and they were graded according to the level of evidence and the strength of recommendations, using the GRADE method. All ungraded Consensus Statements were supported by an extensive literature review and the unanimous agreement of an expert, multidisciplinary panel. Ungraded Good Practice Statements are recommendations that are supported only by indirect evidence. The topic, however, is usually noncontroversial and agreed upon by most stakeholders. The Implementation Remarks contain technical information that supports the implementation of specific recommendations. This comprehensive document includes a list of all recommendations (Parts I-II), ungraded consensus statements, implementation remarks, and best practice statements to aid practitioners with appropriate, up-to-date management of patients with lower extremity varicose veins.

Saphenous vein aneurysms characterization and treatment: A 36-year single center experience

BACKGROUND

Superficial vein aneurysms (SVA) are rare vascular pathologies associated with trauma, chronic venous disease, and venous malformation.

METHOD

We retrospectively reviewed cases of SVA treated from 1986 to 2022.

RESULTS

Out of 2463 venous procedures, 16 patients were found with 19 GSV and 1 SSV aneurysms, with 88% presenting with a palpable mass. Varicose veins were noted in 94% of patients, 81% had concomitant reflux, 15% had thrombus within the aneurysm sac, and 19% demonstrated multiple aneurysms. All patients underwent ligation and excision. Post-procedure, 55% of patients received anticoagulants, and 85% received compression. Mean follow-up was 19.4 months, with no aneurysm recurrence. We propose a modification to the current SVA classification.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of multiple aneurysms suggests the need for complete limb imaging in affected patients. Surgical management of SVA was effective in preventing SVA recurrence, while the proposed classification modification will aid in future SVA management.

Pathogenesis and management of superficial venous aneurysms through a case of thrombosed large great saphenous vein aneurysm

INTRODUCTION

Superficial venous aneurysms are uncommon entities though venous Doppler has facilitated the detection of asymptomatic small aneurysms. Thromboembolic complications are rare with superficial venous aneurysms. The data regarding optimal therapy and pathogenesis of superficial venous aneurysm is sparse and is limited to isolated case reports.

METHODS

Here, we present an unusual case of thrombosed large great saphenous vein aneurysm which was managed with Doppler, preoperative anticoagulation and surgical excision.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

This paper is intended to review the current knowledge about the pathogenesis of superficial venous aneurysm of lower extremities, their optimal management and to guide future research in this area.

Safety and Effectiveness of Endovenous Thermal Ablation for Incompetent Saphenous Veins with an Aneurysm Close to the Junction

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) with or without adding high ligation (HL) for the treatment of incompetent saphenous veins with an aneurysm (>20 mm for the great saphenous vein, >15 mm for the small saphenous vein) close to the junction.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational cohort study in a single centre. All patients presenting with saphenous aneurysms close to the junction were included. Those with a venous aneurysm more distally, at >2 cm from the junction, or with associated deep venous aneurysms were excluded. Patients were treated with EVTA alone or combined with HL in cases of an aneurysm with a diameter >30 mm. Phlebectomies were performed during the same treatment session. Patients were followed up one and six weeks, and one year after treatment. Duplex ultrasound (DUS) was performed to evaluate occlusion of the vein and aneurysm as well as possible complications such as endovenous heat induced thrombosis (EHIT) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Venous clinical severity scores (VCSS) were registered before and one year after treatment.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (15 limbs) were included between February 2012 and January 2015. Eleven limbs were treated with EVTA alone, the remaining four limbs with EVTA and HL. No severe adverse events occurred (no EHIT, no DVT). After one year none of the aneurysms was still visible on DUS and the truncal obliteration rate was 80% (two partial, one segmental recanalisation). Both treatment strategies showed significant improvement of the VCSS at the one year follow up, from a median score of 6 (interquartile range [IQR] 5-7) to 2 (IQR 1-3) (p = .001).

CONCLUSION

EVTA with or without HL appeared to be a safe and effective treatment for patients presenting with incompetent saphenous veins with an aneurysm close to the junction.

Greater saphenous vein anomaly and aneurysm with subsequent pulmonary embolism

Venous aneurysms often present as painful masses. They can present either in the deep or superficial venous system. Deep venous system aneurysms have a greater risk of thromboembolism. Though rare, there have been case reports of superficial aneurysms and thrombus causing significant morbidity such as pulmonary embolism. We present a case of an anomalous greater saphenous vein connection with an aneurysm and thrombus resulting in a pulmonary embolism. This is the only reported case of an anomalous greater saphenous vein connection with aneurysm and thrombus, which eventually led to a pulmonary embolism. Recognition of the morbidity and mortality associated with superficial venous aneurysms can help prevent catastrophic outcomes such as pulmonary embolism. Surgical intervention on large symptomatic superficial venous aneurysms may be the optimal treatment in preventing unwanted complications compared to anticoagulation alone.

Primary Aneurysm of the Medial Marginal Vein of the Foot

The primary superficial venous aneurysms of the foot are very rare. A 34-year-old female patient developed a dorsal foot mass during the second trimester of pregnancy with no history of previous trauma, puncture, or infection. One year later, she was referred to the surgical department for excision of “foot hygroma.” Based on the clinical findings, the venous aneurysm was suspected and duplex ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis of the aneurysm of the medial marginal vein of the foot. Excision of aneurysm with bipolar ligation of marginal vein was performed under local anesthesia. The postoperative evolution was uneventful. The authors hope that the presented case report will increase the awareness of general practitioners, dermatologists, and surgeons regarding the superficial venous aneurysms of lower limbs.