Gefäßkompressionen

Gefäßkompressionen are medical conditions where blood vessels, either arteries or veins, are abnormally squeezed or compressed by surrounding structures. This compression can lead to reduced blood flow to or from an organ or limb, potentially causing a range of symptoms and complications.

Several types of Gefäßkompressionen exist. Arterial compression can restrict the supply of oxygenated blood, leading to ischemia. Venous compression impedes the drainage of deoxygenated blood, which can result in congestion and swelling. The causes of these compressions are varied and can include anatomical abnormalities, tumors, enlarged lymph nodes, or fibrous bands of tissue. Trauma can also lead to compression by hematomas or scar tissue.

Common symptoms depend on the location and severity of the compression. For arterial compression, these might include pain, coldness, pallor, and weakness in the affected area. Venous compression symptoms often involve swelling, pain, a feeling of heaviness, and sometimes skin discoloration. Specific syndromes are named after the affected vessels and the cause of compression, such as thoracic outlet syndrome, where nerves and blood vessels in the space between the collarbone and first rib are compressed.

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to visualize the compressed vessel and the surrounding structures. Treatment strategies are tailored to the underlying cause and severity. They can range from conservative measures like physical therapy and lifestyle modifications to interventional procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, or surgery to relieve the pressure on the blood vessel.