Progression of reflux patterns in saphenous veins of women with chronic venous valvular insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Venous ultrasonography identifies reflux patterns of the great and small saphenous veins (GSV, SSV), allowing evaluation of lower extremities for treatment planning and patient follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To determine progression of saphenous vein reflux patterns in women with primary venous valvular insufficiency.

METHODS: Venous ultrasonography was performed in the extremities of 92 women, 43 ± 12 (23-77) years old, CEAP (clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological elements) clinical classes C1-C2. Two examinations were performed 33 ± 19 (8-89) months apart in patients without saphenous vein treatment. GSV and SSV reflux patterns were classified as segmental, multisegmental, distal, proximal, diffuse and normal. Prevalence was determined for each examination, separately for right and left extremities, and jointly. Prevalence was compared using χ2 statistics.

RESULTS: Reflux prevalence was higher for the GSV, 89% (164/184) and 88% (n = 162), than for the SSV, 24% (n = 45) and 30% (n = 56), respectively for first and second examinations (P < 0.001). Reflux pattern prevalence was not significantly different in the right and left extremities (1.0 > P > 0.14). Most prevalent patterns were (a) GSV segmental reflux initially, 41% (76/184), decreasing to 28% (52/184) (P = 0.009), and (b) GSV multisegmental reflux at the second examination, increasing from 26% (48/184) to 40% (73/184) (P = 0.006). Prevalence of other GSV or SSV reflux patterns did not change significantly (0.88 > P > 0.19).

CONCLUSIONS: We documented early findings and venous reflux progression in a specific population of women with varicose veins, reticular veins and telangiectasias. GSV segmental reflux was most prevalent initially, progressing to GSV multisegmental reflux.