Patterns of venous reflux in limbs with venous ulcers. Implications for treatment.

Abstract

Superficial venous insufficiency, with or without perforating vein reflux, was the commonest pattern in limbs with primary CVI, whereas, deep venous insufficiency was present in most of the limbs with post-thrombotic CVI. The prevalence of perforating vein reflux was comparable in both settings. Thus, elimination of superficial reflux is expected to result in ulcer healing of most limbs with primary CVI, whereas, the value of such treatment in post-thrombotic limbs is not clear.