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Venous ulcers and the superficial venous system
S K Shami1, S Sarin, T R Cheatle
1Department of Surgery, University College and Middlesex School of Medicine, Middlesex Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Journal of Vascular Surgery
|March 1, 1993
Summary
In patients with venous ulceration and chronic venous insufficiency, over half have disease confined to the superficial venous system. This finding suggests surgical treatment may benefit many patients with leg ulcers.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Dermatology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and venous ulceration represent significant clinical challenges.
- Accurate identification of venous disease location is crucial for effective treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the anatomical distribution of venous disease in patients presenting with venous ulceration.
- To correlate venous disease location with clinical presentation in chronic venous insufficiency.
Main Methods:
- Color duplex ultrasound scanning was employed to assess venous reflux in both lower limbs.
- Fifty-nine consecutive patients with venous ulceration were evaluated at a specialized vascular laboratory.
Main Results:
- Superficial venous reflux alone was identified in 53% of limbs.
- A combination of deep and superficial venous reflux was observed in 32% of limbs.
- Isolated deep venous reflux was less common, present in only 15% of limbs.
Conclusions:
- Venous ulceration is frequently associated with superficial venous system disease.
- A significant proportion of patients with venous ulceration may be candidates for surgical intervention.
- Vascular laboratory assessment is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment stratification in patients with leg ulcers.