5.1.2 Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Review:
2022

W. Burgdorf, Munich; T. Tull, A. Salam, J. McGrath, London
Revised by A. Altenburg, C.C. Zouboulis, Dessau

Synonyms

Varicosis, varicosity, chronic venous disease, chronic peripheral venous insufficiency.

Epidemiology

17% of adults and 37% of those over the age of 70 have chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).


Varicose veins: 37% in females, 19% in males.


CVI: 20% in females and 17% in males.

Definition

Ectatic changes in the superficial veins due to insufficient valves.

Aetiology & Pathogenesis

Primary varicosities (95%): Familial predisposition, prolonged (occupational) standing, multiple pregnancies, obesity and smoking all lead to dilatation of the veins and incompetence of the venous valves with reflux and increased venous stasis.


Secondary varicosities (5%): Postinflammatory or post-thrombotic changes. 

Signs & Symptoms

Stages of chronic venous insufficiency (by Widmer):

 

  • Stage I: corona phlebectatica paraplantaris (prominent dilated vessels along sides of foot) 
  • Stage II: atrophie blanche, deposition of haemosiderin, hyperpigmentation,  dermatoliposclerosis, stasis dermatitis, eczema, indurated edema
  • Stage III: ulcer (active or healed) 

 

Further clinical symptoms: pain, itching, leg heaviness.
Symptoms are in more detail described in the CEAP classification.

Localisation

Venous system of the lower legs:


Truncular
- Epifascial varices


Cutaneous varices with cosmetic relevance
- Reticular varices 
- Spider veins

Classification

International standard classification for chronic venous disease (CEAP, clinical etiology anatomy pathophysiology).


Grading of truncal vein incompetence of the greater and lesser saphenous vein according to Hach Widmer’s classification of varicose veins.

Laboratory & other workups

Imaging techniques: Duplex sonography, doppler sonography, photoplethysmography, hyperspectral imaging, infrared thermography.

Dermatopathology

Usually not necessary, except in situations like capillary convolutes mimicking Kaposi's sarcoma.

Course

Chronic over years.

Complications

Ulcer, stasis dermatitis and/or contact dermatitis, superficial thrombosis, bleeding, deep vein insufficiency.

Diagnosis

Clinical findings. Palpation of the insufficient visible veins, imaging techniques.

Differential diagnosis

Congenital vessel malformation.


Dermatitis of different causes.


Lower leg eczema: Allergic contact dermatitis, asteatotic, nummular dermatitis, skin mycosis, psoriasis

Prevention & Therapy

Leg training programme with  activation of the foot, lower leg and upper leg muscle system. Movement at working place. In the evening resting legs by moving up.


Compression therapy: 90% of venous ulcers heal with adequate compression therapy.


Note: If arterial disease is also present, compression may be contraindicated.


Truncal varicosities: Surgery. 


Accessory varicosities: Surgery or sclerotherapy.


Spider veins: Sclerotherapy or laser destruction.

Special

In young men with CVI, think of Klinefelter’s syndrome.

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