[Computerized tomography studies of the lower legs of patients with chronic venous insufficiency and arthrogenic venous stasis syndrome].

Abstract

Transverse computed tomography of the lower legs in patients with chronic venous insufficiency reveals changes in the extravasal connective tissue. In the subcutaneous fat there is fibrosis - sometimes with ossification - that may extend to the periachilloregion and then embeds the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon has a reduced cross-section and reduced density with circumscribed, hypodense areas that are a sign of degeneration. In the muscles, areas of atrophy with lipomatous degeneration can be found as well. In the bones there are signs of increased osteoporosis; the periosteum shows osseous proliferation. The extent of these changes correlates with the degree of venous insufficiency and is most often seen in patients with the arthrogenic stasis syndrome.