Short saphenous vein incompetence and chronic lower extremity venous disease.
Academic Article
Overview
abstract
OBJECTIVE: We performed this prospective study on patients with signs and symptoms of chronic venous disease to emphasize short saphenous vein (SSV) insufficiency, which is not routinely evaluated with Doppler ultrasonography in every center. METHODS: One hundred seventy-eight patients with signs and symptoms of chronic venous disease were included in the study. We used the CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, and pathophysiologic data) classification in evaluation of the limbs with isolated and nonisolated SSV incompetence. Patients were classified according to age, occupation, body mass index, and associated chronic illness. A chi(2) test and a t test were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Reflux was observed in 190 (53%) of 356 limbs. In 11 limbs, isolated SSV reflux was observed. These 11 limbs were classified as CEAP grade 2 (3 limbs), CEAP grade 3 (3 limbs), and CEAP grade 4 (5 limbs). Short saphenous vein reflux was observed in 21 (5.9%) of 356 limbs. Mean SSV diameters were 3.89 mm (range, 1-11 mm) on the right and 4.03 mm (1.3-10 mm) on the left. CONCLUSIONS: No statistical significance was found between age, sex, body mass index, occupation, and associated chronic disease and deep or superficial venous system incompetence. A statistically significant difference was found between the SSV diameter of the limbs and associated venous incompetence.
