Imaging characteristics of lower limb venous insufficiency on doppler ultrasonic

Tuan Anh Vo1, , Ngoc Hoa Quynh Nguyen, Thoi Hai Nguyen Nguyen, Trung Duc Tai Le
1 Dong Nai General Hospital

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Abstract

Introduction: Chronic lower limb venous insufficiency is becoming common worldwide. The location and distribution of venous insufficiency correlates with clinical features and contributes to determining treatment strategy.


Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study, performed at Dong Nai General Hospital from May 2023 to May 2024. The research subjects were cases of venous insufficiency diagnosed with Doppler ultrasound. The reflux patterns of great saphenous vein insufficiency are classified into 4 types as follows: type 1, reflux in both the ankle and saphenofemoral junction; type 2, ankle reflux, preserved saphenofemoral junction; type 3, reflux at the saphenofemoral junction, preserved ankle area; type 4, total great saphenous vein reflux


Results: There were 130 patients participating in the study. Average age is 59 ± 11 years, female/male ratio = 2.2. The rate of great saphenous, lesser saphenous, and deep vein insufficiency is 91.0, 15.8 and 15.0%, respectively. The majority of patients are in stage C2 with 37.6%. The most common locations for great saphenous vein reflux are mid-thigh, above the knee and below the knee (>70%). 96.7% of cases have reflux in the middle of the thigh and/or below the knee. The rates of reflux types 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the great saphenous vein are 34.2; 24.3; 23.7 and 17.8%. CEAP 4 has the highest incidence in types 3 and 4 and the lowest in type 1. VCSS scores in types 1 and 2 are significantly smaller than those in types 3 and 4.


Conclusion: Great saphenous vein insufficiency is most common in patients with venous insufficiency. Terminal valve regurgitation (types 3 and 4) is associated with clinical severity. Checking for reflux at the mid-thigh and below-the-knee locations may increase the likelihood of detecting great saphenous vein insufficiency.

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References

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