Breast varix

Last revised by Jeremy Jones on 13 Feb 2018

Breast varix is, as the name suggests, varices in the breast that are focally dilated veins in the breast. 

If varices are seen bilaterally then a cause for central venous obstruction (superior vena cava syndrome) could be the underlying etiology with the varices being a part of the collateral circulation.

  • may not be visible if blood gets compressed
  • phleboliths
  • anechoic, tubular mass
  • compressible with probe compression
  • doppler demonstrates flow within
  • homogeneously hyperintense
  • brilliant enhancement
  • pulsation artifact 
  • demonstration of communication with a vein
  • no treatment required
  • may be removed for cosmetic reasons or if symptomatic

Thrombosis of the varix can occur, which can be painful.

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