From the Guidelines
Saphena varix typically presents with symptoms such as a soft, compressible lump or bulge in the groin or upper thigh area, heaviness, discomfort, and dull aching pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest and elevation. According to the study published in the American Family Physician in 2019 1, the clinical presentation of varicose veins, which includes saphena varix, varies and may include localized symptoms such as pain, burning, itching, and tingling at the site of the varicose veins. Some key points to consider include:
- Localized symptoms may be unilateral or bilateral
- Generalized symptoms consist of aching, heaviness, cramping, throbbing, restlessness, and swelling in the legs
- Symptoms are often worse at the end of the day, especially after prolonged standing, and usually resolve when patients sit and elevate their legs
- Women are significantly more likely than men to report lower limb symptoms
- Patients are more likely to have symptoms and increasing severity of symptoms with increasing CEAP clinical class, as noted in the study 1. Some patients may also experience a feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the affected area, particularly after prolonged standing or at the end of the day, and may notice visible varicose veins extending down the leg. The varix may be accompanied by a characteristic "cough impulse" where the swelling becomes more prominent when the patient coughs, although this is not explicitly mentioned in the study 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Saphena Varix
- Saphena varix is a rare condition characterized by isolated distention of the saphenous vein immediately below the sapheno-femoral junction 2
- The clinical significance of saphena varix lies in its differentiation from other conditions that cause a groin mass 2
- Symptoms of varicose veins, which can be associated with saphena varix, include pain, heaviness, and visible varicosity 3, 4, 5
- Other symptoms that may be experienced by patients with varicose veins include swelling, itching, and skin discoloration 5
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Duplex ultrasound is the gold standard for the diagnosis of venous disorders, including saphena varix and varicose veins 4, 6
- Treatment options for varicose veins include ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, and compression therapy 3, 4, 6, 5
- Compression therapy with medical compression stockings can help alleviate symptoms and improve tissue healing after treatment 5