Quantification of Reflux Velocity by Duplex Ultrasound in Superficial and Deep Venous Insufficiency and its Correlation in the Assessment of the Clinical Stage of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the correlation between ultrasound-derived parameters of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and the clinical stage of disease. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary hospital and included all adult patients who underwent venous duplex ultrasound of the lower extremities with reflux of the superficial and/or deep venous system. The following parameters were measured: vein diameter, reflux duration, peak systolic velocity (PSV), mean diastolic velocity (MDV) and total reflux volume (TRV). Spearman’s Rank-Order coefficient was used to determine the correlation between ultrasound parameters versus the clinical stage of CVI (C0-C6). RESULTS: There was a weak but statistically significant correlation between clinical stage and MDV in the right peroneal (r=0.240), left femoral (r=0.175) and left popliteal (r=0.192); between clinical stage and PSV in the right peroneal vein (r=0.194); and between clinical stage and TRV in the right peroneal (r=0.186), left great saphenous (r=0.167), left femoral (r=0.194) and left popliteal veins (r=0.201). CONCLUSION: There is a statistically significant correlation between the clinical stage of CVI and MDV, PSV and TRV, although the correlations are weak. KEYWORDS: Duplex-derived parameters, chronic venous insufficiency