Forsnævringer

Forsnævring (plural forsнаvringer) is a medical term describing the narrowing or constriction of a hollow organ, vessel, or duct, resulting in reduced or hindered flow. The condition can affect many parts of the body and may be mild or severe, depending on the degree of narrowing and the organ involved.

Common sites include the cardiovascular system (arterial stenosis such as carotid, renal, or coronary arteries), the respiratory system (bronchostenose), the biliary and digestive tracts (bile duct or intestinal strictures), and the urogenital tract (urethral stenosis). Forsnævringer can be congenital, present from birth, or acquired later in life due to disease processes, injury, inflammation, or external compression by tumors or scar tissue.

Causes are diverse. Atherosclerosis is a frequent cause in arteries, while fibrotic scarring from chronic inflammation or prior surgery can narrow ducts or lumens. Tumors, congenital anomalies, and external compression by surrounding structures can also produce forsnaevings. In some cases the narrowing progresses slowly, while in others it causes acute obstruction.

Symptoms depend on the site of narrowing and may range from being asymptomatic to producing specific problems such as reduced blood flow leading to claudication or ischemia, jaundice in biliary strictures, or dyspnea with bronchial narrowing. Diagnosis commonly involves imaging and endoscopic techniques, including duplex ultrasound, CT or MR angiography, and targeted endoscopy.

Treatment aims to relieve the obstruction and restore flow. Approaches include medical management of underlying conditions, percutaneous interventions such as angioplasty with or without stent placement, and surgical options like bypass, resection, or reconstruction. Prognosis varies with location, severity, and response to treatment.