[Diagnostic value and significance of photoplethysmography in venous insufficiency]

In this study, including 62 patients, or 104 lower extremities, the author demonstrates first, with the chi-2 test, that the method based on Photoplethysmography has a good diagnostic value (sensitivity: 92%, specificity: 88%). Then, with the Student t-test, he demonstrates that the advantage of Photoplethysmography in venous insufficiency is to differentiate easily normal subjects from subjects affected with valve insufficiency, and to establish the differential diagnosis between superficial valvular insufficiency and deep valvular insufficiency. On the contrary, in analyzing the discrepancies between clinical examination and the results of Photoplethysmography, he demonstrates that the diagnosis obtained with Photoplethysmography is limited in the presence of edema, isolated varicose veins, Phlebitis and arterial disease, or during an ineffective compression of the reflux of the superficial venous system. Finally, the author suggests an approach in patients with chronic venous insufficiency, based on clinical examination, Doppler examination and Photoplethysmography.