[Diagnostic pitfalls of cutaneous complications of chronic venous insufficiency]

Cutaneous lesions of the lower limbs are not always of venous origin. Only careful examination of the skin and of the leg can detect other causes. Such examination is important not only for understanding the pathophysiological origin but especially for treatment decision. Certain possible causes should be routinely sought such as arterial abnormalities and cutaneous vasculitis. Some ulcerations from the onset have an atypical appearance, such as necrotic angiodermatitis and pyoderma gangrenosum. Rarer causes (tumoural, haematologic, infectious or congenital) should be considered in case of resistance to usual treatments for severe venous insufficiency.