Changes of Skin Microcirculation in Patients with Chronic Venous Insufficiency Assessed by Laser Doppler Fluxmetry and Transcutaneous Oxymetry

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether microcirculatory disturbances of the skin in patients with chronic venous insufficiency are a generalized phenomenon or restricted to visible skin changes. Design: Open, prospective study in patients and healthy, age-matched subjects. Setting: Department of Angiology, Hannover Medical School. Patients: Seventy-one patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Measurements: Transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tc Po2) at electrode core temperatures of 37°C and 44°C and laser Doppler flux (LDF) were measured simultaneously in different regions of the legs. Results: On the forefoot, tc Po2 (37°C) at rest and tc Po2 (44°C) during arterial ischaemia were significantly higher in patients ( P<0.05), increasing with the severity of chronic venous insufficiency. Conclusions: Cutaneous capillary flow on the forefoot is increased in patients with chronic venous insufficiency, demonstrating the general effect of venous hypertension.