CORRELATION OF THE ANATOMICAL DISTRIBUTION OF VENOUS REFLUX WITH CLINICAL SYMPTOMS AND VENOUS HEMODYNAMICS IN PRIMARY VARICOSE-VEINS

Aim The aim of this study was to correlate the anatomical distribution of venous reflux with clinical symptoms and venous haemodynamics in p atients with primary varicose veins. Methods Venous reflux was examine d using duplex colour Doppler ultrasonography in 266 legs in 191 patie nts. The venous refilling and reflux times were also measured. Results Of the 266 legs, 82 per cent had reflux in the long saphenous vein (L SV), 26 per cent in the short saphenous vein (SSV), 62 per cent had in competent perforators (IPs) in the calf and 48 per cent had reflux in the deep veins. LSV reflux combined with SSV reflux and/or IPs was ass ociated significantly with severe venous disease and abnormal venous h aemodynamics. Femoropopliteal reflux played a role in the development of venous eczema and ulcers when combined with superficial venous refl ux. Conclusion Patients at high risk of developing complications of ve nous disease may be identified by an accurate non-invasive evaluation of reflux patterns.