Telangiectasia Associated With Varicose Veins

Telangiectases are dilatations of capillaries. They occur frequently in conjunction with varicose veins, being present to some degree in most cases. To date, there has been no satisfactory method of treatment for this unsightly complication. The new method, intravascular injection by a microtechnic, which furnishes the basis of this report, has given satisfactory results. Varicotelangiectasia must be differentiated from the generalized capillary dilatation occurring in other conditions. The telangiectasia accompanying varicose veins is usually absent before the veins themselves become dilated. Furthermore, it is limited to the lower extremities and the dilated capillaries never project above the surface of the skin. According to Madden's1classification, it belongs to the group of secondary telangiectasia. The shapes assumed by the dilated vessels vary from a straight line to the complex spider web pattern that is often seen. Their color may be pinkish, bright red or dark blue. They are much more