The resting interstitial tissue pressure in primary varicose veins

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Physiology

Background:

• Primary varicose veins are a common vascular condition affecting leg circulation.
• Interstitial fluid pressure plays a role in tissue health and fluid balance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between primary varicose veins and resting interstitial pressure in the deep posterior compartment of the leg.
• To compare interstitial pressure across different stages of varicose veins, including asymptomatic, symptomatic, and those with trophic changes.

Main Methods:

• 31 patients with unilateral primary varicose veins were studied.
• Resting interstitial pressure was measured in the deep posterior compartment of both affected and contralateral legs using polytetrafluoroethylene catheters and a bioelectronic strain-gauge pressure monitor under spinal anesthesia.
• Patients were categorized into three groups: asymptomatic, symptomatic, and symptomatic with trophic changes.

Main Results:

• Affected legs with varicose veins showed significantly higher mean interstitial pressure (4.61 mm Hg) compared to control legs (-2.48 mm Hg).
• Elevated interstitial pressure was observed in all stages of varicose veins, including asymptomatic cases.
• The increase in interstitial pressure was significantly greater in patients with trophic changes compared to other groups.

Conclusions:

• Primary varicose veins, an epifascial condition, are consistently associated with increased subfascial interstitial pressure.
• Elevated interstitial pressure is present throughout all stages of varicose vein development.
• The degree of interstitial pressure elevation correlates with the severity of varicose vein disease, especially in the presence of trophic changes.