Correlation between Restless Leg Syndrome and Superficial Venous Reflux

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Neurology
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent condition causing lower extremity discomfort.
• The association between RLS symptoms and venous insufficiency, particularly superficial venous reflux (SVR), requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hypothesis that patients with RLS symptoms exhibit higher rates of deep and superficial venous reflux (SVR).
• To determine if SVR is independently associated with RLS symptomatology.
• To evaluate the efficacy of venous ablation in resolving RLS symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 207 patients (≥18 years) evaluated in a venous center.
• Analysis of RLS symptoms, demographics, comorbidities, and clinical/radiological venous disease.
• Multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with RLS.

Main Results:

• 140 patients (67.6%) reported RLS symptoms; RLS was more common with SVR or combined superficial and deep venous reflux (DVR) (p < 0.001).
• Patients with RLS had similar demographics/comorbidities but increased venous pain, phlebitis, family history of venous disease, swelling, and SVR (p < 0.05).
• Multivariable analysis confirmed SVR and family history of venous reflux were associated with RLS (p < 0.001).
• Of 99 patients who underwent ablation for RLS, 87% reported symptom improvement post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• Superficial venous reflux (SVR) is significantly associated with increased rates of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) symptoms in a vein center population.
• RLS symptoms warrant a targeted venous evaluation to identify underlying venous insufficiency.
• Venous ablation may resolve RLS symptoms in patients with SVR, though further randomized trials are needed.