Single most likely diagnosis
- Varicose veins: This is the most common cause of bulging veins in the legs, resulting from weakened or damaged vein walls and valves, leading to blood pooling and vein enlargement.
Other Likely diagnoses
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): A condition where the veins have problems returning blood to the heart, leading to blood pooling and swelling in the legs, which can cause bulging veins.
- Superficial Thrombophlebitis: Inflammation of a vein just under the skin, which can cause the vein to become swollen and bulge.
- Pregnancy: Increased blood volume and pressure on veins during pregnancy can cause them to bulge.
Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in a deep vein, which can be life-threatening if it breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
- Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens: A severe form of DVT that can cause significant swelling and skin discoloration, potentially leading to gangrene.
Rare diagnoses
- Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome: A rare congenital condition characterized by abnormal blood vessel formation, which can cause bulging veins.
- Parkes Weber Syndrome: A rare condition that affects the blood vessels and can cause bulging veins, among other symptoms.
- Lymphedema: A condition characterized by chronic swelling of the legs due to impaired lymphatic drainage, which can cause bulging veins in advanced stages.