varix

var·ix

V0032100 (văr′ĭks)n. pl. var·i·ces (-ĭ-sēz′) 1. An abnormally dilated or swollen vein, artery, or lymph vessel.2. One of the longitudinal ridges on the surface of a gastropod shell.

[Latin, swollen vein.]

varix

(ˈvɛərɪks) n, pl varices (ˈværɪˌsiːz) (Pathology) pathol a. a tortuous dilated vein. See varicose veinsb. Also called: arterial varix or varix lymphaticus a similar condition affecting an artery or lymphatic vessel[C15: from Latin]

var•ix

(ˈvɛər ɪks)

n., pl. var•i•ces (ˈvɛər əˌsiz) 1. Also, varicosity. a varicose vein. 2. a ridgelike mark or scar on the surface of a gastropod shell. [1350–1400; Middle English < Latin: varicose vein]

Thesaurus

Noun

varix - abnormally enlarged or twisted blood vessel or lymphatic vesselabnormalcy, abnormality - an abnormal physical condition resulting from defective genes or developmental deficienciesvaricosity - varix or varicose condition in which a vein is swollen and tortuous

Translations

Krampfader

varix

[vār´iks] (L.) an enlarged, tortuous vein, artery, or lymphatic vessel.aneurysmal varix a markedly dilated tortuous vessel; sometimes used to denote a form of arteriovenous aneurysm in which the blood flows directly into a neighboring vein without the intervention of a connecting sac.arterial varix a racemose aneurysm or varicose artery.esophageal varices varicosities of branches of the azygous vein which anastomose with tributaries of the portal vein in the lower esophagus; due to portal hypertension in cirrhosis of the liver.lymph varix (varix lympha´ticus) a soft, lobulated swelling of a lymph node due to obstruction of lymphatic vessels.

var·ix

, pl.

va·ri·ces

(var'iks, var'i-sēz), 1. A dilated vein. 2. An enlarged and tortuous vein, artery, or lymphatic vessel. [L. varix (varic-), a dilated vein]

varix

(văr′ĭks)n. pl. var·ices (-ĭ-sēz′) An abnormally dilated or swollen vein, artery, or lymph vessel.

varix

Surgery An enlarged and convoluted vein, artery or lymphatic vessel. See Varicose veins.

var·ix

, pl. varices (var'iks, -i-sēz) 1. A dilated vein. 2. An enlarged and tortuous vein, artery, or lymphatic vessel. [L. varix (varic-), a dilated vein]

varix

(var'iks) (var'i-sez?) plural.varices [L., twisted or dilated vein] 1. A tortuous dilatation of a vein. See: varicose vein2. Less commonly, dilatation of an artery or lymph vessel.

aneurysmal varix

A direct communication between an artery and a varicose vein without an intervening sac.

arterial varix

A varicosity or dilation of an artery.

chyle varix

A varix of a lymphatic vessel that conveys chyle.

ESOPHAGEAL VARIX IN A PATIENT WITH CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER: Courtesy of John Roberts, MD

esophageal varix

A tortuous dilatation of an esophageal vein, esp. in the distal portion. It results from any condition that causes portal hypertension, typically cirrhosis of the liver. Müller's maneuver; illustration

Symptoms

If an esophageal varix bursts, massive hemorrhage occurs, and the patient may die within minutes.

Treatment

Medical treatment includes administration of a beta blocker, such as nadolol, with a nitrate, such as isosorbide, to lower portal pressures and decrease the likelihood of variceal bleeding. Invasive therapies include the injection of sclerosing agents or rubber banding of the dilated vein.

Patient care

Bleeding esophageal varices constitute a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment to control hemorrhage and prevent hypovolemic shock. The patient’s vital signs, SaO₂, ABGs, electrolyte and fluid volume balance, and level of consciousness are closely monitored. Intravenous access must be established promptly and fluid resuscitation, followed by transfusion and the administration of plasma are critical to early stabilization of the patient. Medical therapies also include the use of vasoconstricting drugs, such as vasopression. Endoscopy is used to identify the site of the ruptured vessels which may then be treated with sclerotherapy, ligation, or banding.

Surgical procedures to prevent rebleeding include portocaval or mesocaval shunts, portosystemic anastomosis, splenorenal shunting or liver transplantation. All procedures are explained, sensation messages provided, and reassurance and emotional support offered.

lymphaticus varix

Dilatation of a lymphatic vessel.

turbinal varix

Permanent dilatation of veins of turbinate bodies.

varix

See VARICES.

var·ix

, pl. varices (var'iks, -i-sēz) 1. A dilated vein. 2. An enlarged and tortuous vein, artery, or lymphatic vessel. [L. varix (varic-), a dilated vein]

varix

var·ix

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var•ix

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va·ri·ces

varix

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aneurysmal varix

arterial varix

chyle varix

esophageal varix

Symptoms

Treatment

Patient care

lymphaticus varix

turbinal varix

varix

var·ix

varix

Words related to varix

noun abnormally enlarged or twisted blood vessel or lymphatic vessel

Related Words