Evaluation of perforating venous insufficiency with shear wave elastography: a preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Medical Imaging
• Ultrasound Technology

Background:

• Perforating vein insufficiency (PVI) is a common cause of venous disease.
• Accurate diagnosis of PVI is crucial for effective patient management.
• Conventional Doppler ultrasound has limitations in fully assessing PVI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of shear wave elastography (SWE) for PVI.
• To determine the clinical applicability of SWE measurements in PVI diagnosis.
• To correlate SWE values with PVI severity and related venous parameters.

Main Methods:

• 140 symptomatic patients with venous insufficiency underwent Doppler ultrasound and SWE.
• SWE measured stiffness in perivenous tissue adjacent to Cockett's perforating veins (PVs).
• SWE values were compared with PV diameter and reflux in PVs and the great saphenous vein.

Main Results:

• SWE values were significantly higher in patients with PVI compared to normal controls (P < 0.001).
• Increased PV diameter and reflux in the great saphenous vein correlated significantly with higher SWE values (P < 0.001).
• Optimal cut-off values for SWE were identified as 34.600 kPa and 3.375 m/s for PVI detection.

Conclusions:

• Shear wave elastography demonstrates significant efficacy in diagnosing perforating vein insufficiency.
• SWE can be a valuable adjunct to conventional Doppler ultrasound for PVI assessment.
• SWE measurements provide objective data for diagnosing and monitoring PVI.