Pathophysiological Classification Research Articles

The proximity of the superficial epigastric vein to the saphenofemoral junction is associated with endovenous heat-induced thrombosis after radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins

ObjectiveTo elucidate the risk factors of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for varicose veins in association with the superficial epigastric vein (SEV) position to the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ). MethodsWe examined 125 legs from 218 patients (mean age, 67 years; 80 female legs) with great saphenous veins (GSVs) in association with the SEV proximity to the SFJ using the duplex ultrasound test. According to the Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy and Pathophysiology classification (CEAP; C1-C6), there were 62, 38, and 25 legs in the C2, C3, and C4-C6 categories, respectively. The postoperative duplex ultrasound tests, focused on EHIT, were conducted on days 1, 7, 30, and 90 after RFA. The EHIT analysis was based on Kabnick's classification (class 1-4). We compared the GSV diameter and the SEV-SFJ distance between the EHIT positive (n = 32) and negative groups (n = 93) using the Student t-test. The risk factors (age >75, male sex, ≥C3 classification, adjunctive phlebectomy, prior venous surgery history, GSV diameter of >7.5 mm, and short SEV-SFJ distance [<4 mm]) were examined using univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. ResultsThe EHIT ratio after RFA was 25.6% (24, five, three, and no legs in classes 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). In the EHIT positive group, the mean GSV diameter and the SEV-SFJ distance were larger (8.0 ± 2.3 vs 6.4 ± 2.0 mm; P < .001) and shorter (5.2 ± 4.0 vs 6.8 ± 3.7 mm; P = .05) than the negative group. Using univariate analysis, the risk factors of EHIT after RFA were as follows: ≥C3 classification (odds ratio [OR], 4.15; P = .002), GSV diameter >7.5 mm (OR, 3.50; P = .003), and short SEV-SFJ distance (OR, 2.92; P = .01). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a classification of ≥C3 (OR, 3.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30-8.86; P = .013), GSV of >7.5 mm (OR, 3.32; 95% CI, 1.33-8.25; P = .010), and short SEV-SFJ distance (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.09-6.71; P = .032) were also significant risk factors. ConclusionsRFA treatment for patients with varicose veins should be considered postoperatively in combination with a classification of ≥C3, GSV diameter of >7.5 mm, and a history of deep venous thrombosis and concomitant procedures, because it is related with greater chances of EHIT development.

Extracellular Fluid Content in the Legs of Patients with Chronic Venous Disease

This study aimed to determine the factors that affect the extracellular fluid (ECF) content in the legs of patients with chronic venous disease (CVD). Bioimpedance analysis and air plethysmography (APG) were performed in 79 patients with CVD who visited our clinic between September 2016 and March 2019. The normal right legs (N) of 14 healthy volunteers were also reviewed for comparison. The ratio of ECF resistance (Re) of the leg to that of the arm (ReL/ReA) was used to express the ECF content in the tested leg. The severity of CVD was expressed using the clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathophysiological (CEAP) classification. The ReL/ReA decreased as the CEAP class increased (N: median; 0.81 [range 0.66-0.95], C0-1: 0.79 [0.60-0.98], C2: 0.77 [0.56-1.08], C3: 0.67 [0.57-0.85], C4: 0.64 [0.44-0.89]). Older age, female sex, and CEAP class affected the ReL/ReA, but body mass index did not. The ReL/ReA did not correlate with the parameters that were derived from APG, including the venous filling index. We found that the ECF content in legs of patients with CVD might be primarily affected by patient-related factors and CEAP class, as opposed to venous hemodynamics.

Association between vein diameters, reflux characteristics, and clinical severity in patients with chronic venous insufficiency in Northwest China

ObjectiveOur goal was to summarize the relationship between vein diameters, reflux characteristics, and clinical severity in consecutive patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in Northwest China. MethodsWe evaluated 531 consecutive patients with CVI (249 women) who presented to the Department of Ultrasound of Xijing Hospital from September 2017 to July 2019. Reflux times and the mean diameters of the great saphenous, the small saphenous, and the calf perforator veins based on duplex ultrasound scans obtained in the standing position were recorded. Venous-specific assessment tools—the Heaviness, Achiness, Swelling, Throbbing, Itching (HASTI) score, the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and the Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, Pathophysiological (CEAP) class—were analyzed. Regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the clinical scores, vein diameters, and reflux times. A P value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsWe analyzed 531 consecutive patients with 728 limbs. The mean age was 55.24 ± 11.38 years; the mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.75 ± 3.49 kg/m2. Three hundred thirty-four patients (62.9%) presented with unilateral limb findings and 197 (37.1%), with bilateral limb involvement. No significant changes were noted in age and BMI across CEAP classes (F = 2.322 and F = 3.917, respectively; P > .05 for both). Both the HASTI score (r2 = 0.8741; P < .001) and the VCSS (r2 = 0.9257; P < .001) correlated with the CEAP class. The HASTI score strongly correlated with the mean diameters of the great saphenous and small saphenous veins (r2 = 0.9252, r2 = 0.6304, respectively; P < .001 for both) similarly to VCSS (r2 = 0.9396, r2 = 0.7195, respectively; P < .001 for both). The HASTI score and VCSS correlated equally with the mean diameters of the calf perforator veins (r = 0.7773 and r = 0.7781, respectively; P < .001 for both). In those with C6, both great saphenous vein (F = 4.608; P < .001) and small saphenous vein reflux times (F = 14.97; P < .001) were significantly higher than those in C1. Both the HASTI score and VCSS strongly associated with the reflux times of the great saphenous (r2 = 0.7706 and r2 = 0.8181, respectively; P < .001 for both) and small saphenous veins (r2 = 0.6470 and r2 = 0.7865, respectively; P < .001 for both). ConclusionsThis analysis is one of the few epidemiologic studies of patients with CVI in Northwest China. Age and BMI did not correlate with CEAP class. Both the HASTI score and VCSS correlated strongly with the CEAP classification; vein diameters and reflux time in both the great saphenous vein and the small saphenous vein, indicating the validity of these outcome tools to venous hemodynamics and to CVI in general.

Compression stockings attenuate the expression of proteins associated with vascular damage in human varicose veins

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to analyze whether compression stocking therapy in the human varicose vein wall may change the levels of biomarkers associated with vein insufficiency. MethodsDilated collateral varicose vein samples were obtained from patients showing chronic venous disease (class 2 of the Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology classification). Before elective surgery, 12 patients underwent compression stocking therapy (for 1 month) and 9 patients did not (control group). Expression levels of biomarkers associated with endothelial functionality (nitric oxide synthase 3), inflammation (interleukin-6, interleukin-10), oxidative stress (Gp91phox subunit of NADPH oxidase), and coagulation (factor Xa) were determined. P-selectin, an inflammatory and thrombosis-related biomarker, was also measured. ResultsCompression stockings increased the content of nitric oxide synthase 3 (control, 16.48 [16.04-17.40] AU; compression, 83.71 [67.70-91.85] AU; P < .001) in the varicose vein wall that was accompanied by reduction of both interleukin-6 levels (control, 38.72 [33.48-48.52] pg/μg protein; compression, 14.49 [11.05-17.41] pg/μg protein; P = .001) and the expression of Gp91phox subunit of NADPH oxidase (control, 63.24 [53.79-77.03] AU; compression, 36.85 [35.66-52.27] AU; P < .010). P-selectin (control, 77.37 [61.86-85.00] AU; compression, 54.31 [49.60-67.50] AU; P = .017) and factor Xa (control, 90.78 [75.02-100.00] AU; compression, 14.50 [13.77-36.20] AU; P < .001) were also reduced in the varicose vein wall of compression stocking-treated patients. However, P-selectin lost its statistical significance after adjustment by dyslipidemia. ConclusionsIn the varicose vein wall, compression stocking therapy improved the content levels of biomarkers associated with endothelial functionality, inflammation, oxidative stress, and coagulation.

Electrodiagnostic Testing of Large Fiber Polyneuropathies: A Review of Existing Guidelines.

Electrodiagnostic testing for polyneuropathies is a large part of the diagnostic workup in all electrodiagnostic laboratories. Guidelines on examination and diagnostic strategies and classification of polyneuropathies are crucial for standardization of electrodiagnostic testing and best clinical practice. Several guidelines have been suggested on pathophysiological classification, particularly for the definition of inflammatory neuropathies, whereas for axonal polyneuropathies, the literature is sparse. Similarly, there are a few recommendations on examination and diagnostic strategies. This review will cover the existing guidelines on electrodiagnostic testing of large fiber polyneuropathies including examination and diagnostic strategies and pathophysiological classification. In addition, the diagnostic criteria for Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, multifocal motor neuropathy, and hereditary neuropathies are summarized.

A novel pathophysiological classification of silicosis models provides some new insights into the progression of the disease

Silicosis is caused by massive inhalation of silica-based particles, which leads to pulmonary inflammation, pulmonary fibrosis and lung dysfunction. Currently, the pathophysiological process of silicosis has not been well studied. Here, we defined the progression of silicosis as four stages by unsupervised clustering analysis: normal stage, inflammatory stage, progressive stage and fibrotic stage. Specifically, in normal stage, the lung function was normal, and no inflammation or fibrosis was detected in the lung tissue. Inflammatory stage showed a remarkable pulmonary inflammation but mild fibrosis and lung dysfunction. In progressive stage, significant lung dysfunction was observed, while pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis continued to deteriorate. Fibrotic stage revealed the most severe pulmonary fibrosis and lung dysfunction but no significant deterioration in inflammation. Since the common features were founded in both silicosis patients and rodents, we speculated that the pathophysiological processes of silicosis in patients might be similar to the rodents. Collectively, our new classification identified the process of silicosis, clarified the pathophysiological features of each stage, and provided some new insights for the progression of the disease.

Use of Objective Assessment Criteria to Assess Symptom Severity and Clinical Effectiveness After Deep Venous Stenting

The objective was to identify measures used to assess symptom severity in patients before deep venous intervention and outcomes used to evaluate its clinical effectiveness. The study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. We searched MEDLINE for studies of stent placement for treatment of iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction using keywords including “venous,” “stent,” and “thrombosis.” The final search was conducted on December 1, 2019. Data were extracted from peer-reviewed articles by one author and verified by another. A database was developed, pilot tested, and refined to maintain consistency of the indications for intervention and the outcomes reported in the literature. There were 6356 patients with venous stents identified from 93 studies; 1300 patients (20%) were treated for acute thrombosis, and 5056 patients were treated for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) due to nonthrombotic lesions (2200 patients [35%]) or post-thrombotic disease (2856 patients [45%]). The clinical component of the Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology classification (CEAP) was reported in 3233 of 5056 CVI patients (64%) before intervention (C0, 2%; C1, 2%; C2, 7%; C3, 46%; C4, 21%; C5, 6%; C6, 16%). Stent patency was reported in all studies but with variable follow-up (6 months-5 years). Overall primary patency was 81% in 3365 patients, and secondary patency was reported as 95% in 4700 patients at 1 year. Of 655 patients with active ulceration, 397 (61%) healed during follow-up. The Venous Clinical Severity Score or revised Venous Clinical Severity Score was reported in 849 patients (13%). The overall average score was 8 before intervention and 3 after intervention. Villalta scores were reported in 768 patients (12%) before intervention and in 1111 patients (17%) after intervention. Average Villalta scores were 20 before intervention and 5 after intervention. Patency rates are consistently reported after deep venous stenting; however, the length of follow-up in published studies remains modest. The CEAP classification of CVI patients is unreported in more than a third of patients undergoing invasive treatments, which makes accurate comparison between individual studies challenging. Although apparently successful, few studies use objective measures to quantify the clinical effectiveness of deep venous stenting, and consensus is lacking on which is the most appropriate tool to use. More research is needed on the ideal assessment measures to identify suitable patients for these interventions and the best methods to qualify clinical effectiveness objectively.

Proposed Definitions of Typical Lesions in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Background: Although not rare, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is often under-recognized by physicians. The diagnosis of HS is clinical via the recognition of lesions typical of the disease, but universally accepted definitions of these latter are currently lacking, which means that certain severity scores employed for HS classification/management are used differently by different physicians. Our aim was to develop a set of descriptive definitions and associated images of HS lesions, in order to enable doctors to better recognize and evaluate the disease. Methods: MEDLINE-available literature and dermatological textbooks on HS morphology were retrieved (January 1996 to February 2016). A preliminary set of definitions of HS typical lesions was created, including 10 terms. Each term was associated with a pathophysiological classification and an image. This preliminary set was shown during the 5th Conference of the European HS Foundation (EHSF). The physicians attending the event were invited to vote on each term and make comments via a voting sheet. Results: A total of 81 physicians answered the questionnaire. Their agreement/disagreement rates and comments were used to obtain a revised set of definitions and images. Pathophysiological classifications were dropped. Conclusion: A user-friendly set of definitions/images of HS typical lesions was proposed and will need to be validated by further studies. This set could ultimately serve as a tool to better recognize, score, and assess treatment efficacy.

Factors associated with the development of post-thrombotic syndrome in patients with iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis who underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis.

To identify predictors of post-thrombotic syndrome in patients with iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis who underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis. Fifty-two consecutive patients who underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis were included in this retrospective study. In addition to catheter-directed thrombolysis, aspiration thrombectomy or stent placement was performed if needed. At six months, duplex ultrasound was performed to assess iliofemoral patency and deep venous reflux. Post-thrombotic syndrome was assessed using the clinical, etiologic, anatomic, and pathophysiologic classification (post-thrombotic syndrome present ≥3 on a scale from 0 to 6). Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify predictors of post-thrombotic syndrome. Median follow-up was 52 months and post-thrombotic syndrome developed in nine patients (17.3%). In univariate analysis, stent placement (odds ratio 0.16, p = 0.022) was negatively associated with post-thrombotic syndrome, whereas iliofemoral venous obstruction with reflux at six months (OR 6.08, p = 0.037) was positively associated with post-thrombotic syndrome. Multivariate analysis indicated that stent placement was associated with reduced risk of post-thrombotic syndrome (OR 0.17, p = 0.043), and iliofemoral obstruction with reflux was associated with increased risk (OR 6.67, p = 0.046). Stent placement and iliofemoral venous obstruction with reflux, respectively, were important protective and risk factors for post-thrombotic syndrome in patients who underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis.

Novel Molecular Mechanisms of Pulmonary Hypertension: A Search for Biomarkers and Novel Drug Targets-From Bench to Bed Site.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is defined as increased mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) above 25 mmHg, measured at rest by right heart catheterization. The exact global prevalence of PH is difficult to estimate, mainly due to the complex aetiology, and its spread may be underestimated. To date, numerous studies on the aetiology and pathophysiology of PH at molecular level were conducted. Simultaneously, some clinical studies have shown potential usefulness of well-known and widely recognized cardiovascular biomarkers, but their potential clinical usefulness in diagnosis and management of PH is poor due to their low specificity accompanied with numerous other cardiovascular comorbidities of PH subjects. On the other hand, a large body of basic research-based studies provides us with novel molecular pathomechanisms, biomarkers, and drug targets, according to the evidence-based medicine principles. Unfortunately, the simple implementation of these results to clinical practice is impossible due to a large heterogeneity of the PH pathophysiology, where the clinical symptoms constitute only a common denominator and a final result of numerous crosstalking metabolic pathways. Therefore, future studies, based mostly on translational medicine, are needed in order to both organize better the pathophysiological classification of various forms of PH and define precisely the optimal diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in particular forms of PH. This review paper summarizes the current state of the art regarding the molecular background of PH with respect to its current classification. Novel therapeutic strategies and potential biomarkers are discussed with respect to their limitations in use in common clinical practice.

Efficacy of Cyanoacrylate Glue Ablation of Primary Truncal Varicose Veins Compared to Existing Endovenous Techniques: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Introduction One-third of adults in the United States and United Kingdom suffer from varicose veins. n -butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue is a novel endovascular, nontumescent, nonthermal ablation technique for treatment of this condition. It has proved effective in multiple studies since its first use in 2013. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy of NBCA in ablating primary truncal varicose veins and eliminating reflux compared with existing endovascular techniques. Secondary outcomes include complications and quality of life. Methods PRISMA was used as a guide and studies were screened for risk of bias and methodological quality. Subjects had to be ≥18 years of age and followed-up posttreatment with color Duplex ultrasound (DUS). Eligibility criteria included saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) or saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ) incompetence with reflux down truncal veins lasting >0.5 seconds on DUS interrogation and a Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, and Pathophysiological classification of venous disorders ranging between C1 and C6. Results Out of 2,910 patients (3,220 veins) in 17 studies, 1,981 were administered NBCA, 445 radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and 484 endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) with mean procedure times of 25.7, 23.2, and 28.7 minutes, respectively. Mean recruitment period was 9 months (1–36 months) and followed-up for an average of 12.3 months (1–36 months). The majority were C2 to C3. Two-year occlusion rates were 93.7, 90.9, and 91.5% for NBCA, RFA, and EVLA, respectively. NBCA-treated patients experienced the least complications, with bruising, phlebitis, and pain being the most prevalent. Quality of life improved equally in all three modalities. Conclusion NBCA is simple to administer, safe, and effective even without compression stockings. Further studies are required to assess longer-term benefit and the effect of anticoagulation on vein obliteration.

The clinical relevance of anterior accessory great saphenous vein reflux

BackgroundInsurance approval for saphenous vein ablation is generally limited to junctional reflux involving the great saphenous vein (GSV) or small saphenous vein. This study was designed to investigate prevalence and disease severity of anterior accessory GSV (AAGSV) compared with GSV disease in patients presenting to dedicated outpatient vein centers. MethodsDeidentified data were pulled from the American Vein & Lymphatic Society PRO Venous Registry for first and second patient encounters. Variables included age, sex, and body mass index (BMI); clinical class of Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (CEAP) classification; revised Venous Clinical Severity Score (rVCSS); and duplex ultrasound values for each limb. Data were further scrutinized according to duplex ultrasound findings. Patients with normal findings on duplex ultrasound examination or evidence of acute or chronic thrombosis were excluded. Patients were further characterized into two groups. The primary group had no prior vein treatment vs the progressive group, in which patients have had a superficial venous intervention at some point in the past. ResultsThere were 6836 unique patients with duplex ultrasound patterns of either AAGSV or GSV above the knee or both AAGSV and GSV in either group. This pool contained 2604 patients with recorded CEAP class and rVCSS, representing 2664 patient limbs in the final data set. In comparison to limbs in the progressive group, AAGSV reflux was more common in the primary group (78/563 vs 209/2101; P < .01). Demographic features of the groups demonstrated no significant difference. The primary group demonstrated a significantly higher rVCSS (6.95 vs 6.10; P < .01) than the progressive group. Patients in the primary group also demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of more advanced disease (CEAP class C4 and above; 43.1% vs 24.8%; P < .0001) than those in the progressive group. The primary group demonstrated no significant differences in age, sex proportions, or mean BMI. The mean rVCSS for GSV of these patients (7.22) was significantly higher than that of AAGSV patients (5.63; P < .01). The incidence of superficial vein thrombosis for the AAGSV patients (6.41%) was significantly higher than that of the GSV patients (2.17%; P < .05) in the progressive group. Patients in the progressive group demonstrated no significant difference in age, sex proportions, mean BMI, or average rVCSS. The proportion of AAGSV limbs with superficial thrombosis events (37/287 [12.9%]) was significantly higher than that for GSV (59/2214 [2.7%]; P < .01). ConclusionsAAGSV reflux is common and carries similar morbidity to GSV reflux. It is manifested with an alarming presence of superficial vein thrombosis.

Racial disparities in the outcomes of superficial vein treatments for chronic venous insufficiency

BackgroundChronic venous disease (CVD) affects >20 million people in the United States. Despite this huge prevalence, there are few data on whether the effectiveness of current CVD therapies for symptomatic superficial vein reflux is affected by race. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate CVD treatment outcomes in various races in the United States. MethodsFrom January 2015 to December 2017, we retrospectively reviewed and prospectively collected data from 66,621 patients who presented for CVD evaluation. We divided patients into five racial groups: African American, Asian, Hispanic, other (race not recorded), and white. Presenting signs and symptoms, treatment modalities, number of procedures per patient, and preintervention and postintervention revised Venous Clinical Severity Scores (rVCSSs) were evaluated. All racial groups were stratified by Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (CEAP) class for subgroup analysis. ResultsThe average age of the entire cohort was 56.8 ± 14.7 years, with 51,393 women (77%) and 15,228 men (23%). Prevalence by race was 17% African American, 3% Asian, 18% Hispanic, 8% others, and 55% white. There was a higher incidence of C0 disease in whites (44%) and African Americans (31%); C1 and C2 disease in whites (46% and 55%) and Hispanics (28% and 25%); and C3, C4, C5, and C6 disease in whites (60%, 57%, 58%, and 61%) and African Americans (19%, 17%, 19%, and 21%). Pain as an initial presenting symptom was more common in African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics (29%, 29%, and 31%). Swelling was highest in African Americans (18%) and cramping in Hispanics (14%). Skin changes and venous ulcers were most common in African Americans (16% and 21%) and whites (63% and 61%). With regard to the average number of procedures performed, Hispanics (1.98 ± 1.24) and others (2.07 ± 1.25) required fewer stand-alone ablations compared with whites (2.31 ± 1.56), Asians (2.36 ± 1.58), and African Americans (2.27 ± 1.56; P ≤ .0001. With the addition of phlebectomies to ablations, Hispanics (3.78 ± 2.08) continued to require fewer procedures, and Asians required the greatest number of phlebectomies compared with all groups (P ≤ .001). When ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy was added to ablation and phlebectomy, African Americans required more procedures compared with all races (4.38 ± 2.59; P ≤ .01). For stand-alone ablations, Hispanics (2.18 ± 2.34) and Asians (1.91 ± 2.35) demonstrated lower postprocedure rVCSSs compared with African Americans (2.79 ± 2.88) and whites (2.8 ± 2.85; P ≤ .0001). For ablations with phlebectomies, all races demonstrated similar results except for Hispanics (2.19 ± 2.14), who did better than whites (2.85 ± 2.75; P ≤ .002). For ablations with phlebectomies and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, all races had similar results (P ≤ .0001). ConclusionsIn the United States, CVD is primarily observed in white women. There are differences in the incidence and prevalence of disease severity and symptom presentation based on race. The incidence of CVD decreases with age in all racial groups except whites. Hispanics required the fewest procedures and African Americans required the most for optimal results. Postintervention rVCSSs equalized in all races when ablations were combined with phlebectomies and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy.

Comparison of hand-held acoustic Doppler with point-of-care portable color Doppler ultrasound in the assessment of venous reflux disease

ObjectiveDiagnostic-quality portable color Doppler ultrasound (PCD) offers convenient point-of-care venous reflux disease (VRD) diagnosis. Philips Lumify (Philips N.V., Best, The Netherlands), a high-fidelity broadband linear array transducer (4-12 MHz frequency), connects through a web-enabled smartphone or tablet to cloud software and offers B-mode and color Doppler imaging without pulsed wave Doppler capability. The aims of the study were to compare hand-held acoustic Doppler (HHD) vs PCD diagnostic performance using conventional duplex ultrasound (DUP) as the “gold standard” for VRD assessment, to assess effects of body mass index (BMI) and disease severity on diagnostic performance of HHD and PCD, and to determine whether PCD offers any diagnostic improvement over HHD in VRD assessment. MethodsThere were 241 patients (65 male, 176 female; mean age, 55.5 ± 15.5 years; mean BMI, 32.2 ± 7.9 kg/m2). DUP (447 legs), PCD (262 legs), and HHD (217 legs) studied the great saphenous vein at above-knee (AK) and below-knee (BK) levels. A phlebologist performed HHD, whereas PCD and DUP were performed sequentially (PCD first) by an experienced technologist and interpreted independently. PCD was done blinded to DUP results. DUP findings were analyzed blinded to HHD and PCD results. Venous reflux was dichotomously assessed as <2 seconds and >2 seconds. ResultsHHD improves from moderate to good sensitivity from AK level (68%) to BK level (94%) but suffers poor specificity that declines significantly from AK level (50%) to BK level (12%; P < .05). HHD positive predictive value exceeds its negative predictive value (NPV) and remains unchanged from AK level (71%) to BK level (72%). HHD NPV remains consistently poor at AK (48%) and BK (42%) levels. PCD has similar sensitivity from AK level (69%) to BK level (74%), better AK level (79%) vs BK level (58%) specificity (P < .05), similar positive predictive value for AK (76%) and BK levels (78%), and better NPV for AK level (72%) vs BK level (53%; P < .05). BMI range (<30 kg/m2 vs ≥ 30 kg/m2) did not influence diagnostic performance of HHD and PCD significantly. HHD and PCD specificity was higher for Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (CEAP) class <4 compared with CEAP class ≥4 (P < .05). ConclusionsThe relative diagnostic performance of HHD and PCD is highly dependent on insonation level. PCD advantages compared with HHD are marginally greater specificity at AK and BK levels and better NPV at AK level. Compared with HHD, PCD's disadvantage is lower sensitivity at BK level. Both HHD and PCD have higher specificity at AK level than at BK level. Overall, PCD offers only moderate sensitivity and specificity, making it inadequate for exclusion of significant venous reflux. Neither obesity nor CEAP class significantly influenced the general diagnostic performance of PCD or HHD.

High prevalence of chronic venous disease among health care workers in the United States

BackgroundHealth care workers spend extended times standing and walking short distances and are at risk for development of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). We conducted a hospital-wide venous screening program designed to measure the prevalence of and risk factors for clinical manifestations of CVI and ultrasound evidence of venous reflux or obstruction in health care workers. We also determined their risk for deep venous thrombosis (DVT). MethodsFree venous screening and education were offered to all hospital employees; the program started in April 2016, and results are presented from the first year. Demographics, medical history, and use of compression stockings were recorded. A physical examination determined the clinical class of the Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (CEAP) classification for clinical disease, and an ultrasound test evaluated for reflux or obstruction in the common femoral vein, popliteal vein, and saphenofemoral junction. The Caprini score was recorded to evaluate risk of DVT. Descriptive statistics were reported, and logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis of risk factors. ResultsWe enrolled 636 participants (1272 legs); 93.0% were women. The median age was 42 years (interquartile range, 31-52 years), mean body mass index was 29.2 ± 6.6 kg/m2, and most participants were white (49.1%) or African American (39.5%); 18% reported having hypertension, 7.1% had diabetes, and 6.1% were current smokers. The majority reported occasional leg pain (72.7%) and evening leg swelling (42.3%). Only 2.7% used daily compression stockings. Clinical evidence of CVI was present in at least one leg in 69.1% (C1, 49.0%; C2, 17.7%; C3, 1.9%; C4, 0.2%; C5, 0.2%). Venous reflux was present in at least one leg in 82.1%; obstruction was rare (0.2%). Reflux in either the superficial (saphenofemoral junction) or the deep (femoral or popliteal) venous system was present in the majority (71.0%) of patients with CVI (clinical class ≥C1). Reflux and white race were risk factors for clinical disease; clinical disease, age, female sex, and white race were risk factors for reflux. On the basis of the Caprini score, 14.1% of participants were in the highest risk category for DVT when experiencing a high-risk situation (including 2.2% with history of DVT). ConclusionsPrevalence of clinical CVI and venous reflux is high among health care workers despite a low frequency of cardiovascular comorbidities. Increased awareness about CVI and DVT and preventive strategies for venous disease must be instituted in this high-risk cohort.

Association between right heart diastolic function and clinical presentation of chronic venous disease and primary varicose veins of lower extremities.

This study examines the association between right heart diastolic function and clinical presentation of chronic venous disease and primary varicose veins of lower extremities. We performed retrospective analysis of clinical, peripheral venous Duplex and tricuspid Doppler (early diastolic inflow E-wave, late diastolic inflow A-wave, ratios of E to A waves, early diastolic annular e'-wave, late diastolic annular a'-wave and systolic annular s'- wave) data of 85 patients, 133 legs with primary varicose veins. We found following significant (p-value < 0.05) associations between tricuspid Doppler and clinical presentation of chronic venous disease and primary varicose veins: Clinical Etiological Anatomical Pathophysiological clinical class influenced late diastolic inflow velocities (C6 class A-wave +11.2 cm/s or +27% in comparison with C2), late diastolic annular velocities (C6 class a'-wave +3.3 cm/s or +22% in comparison with C2), systolic annular velocities (C6 class s'-wave +3.7 cm/s or +27% in comparison with C2) and E/A ratios (C6 class E/A ratio -0.22 or -21% in comparison with C2). Recurrent varices in comparison with previously untreated are associated with significantly lower late diastolic inflow velocities (A-wave -4.4 cm/s or -9%) and preserved E/A ratios. Age significantly influenced tricuspid Doppler (E-, A-, e'-, a'-waves and E/A ratios) in patients with chronic venous disease. Clinical presentation of primary varicose veins and chronic venous disease can be associated with the right heart diastolic function: C6 Clinical Etiological Anatomical Pathophysiological class in comparison with C2 is associated with increased right ventricular filling and impaired ventricular relaxation - right heart diastolic dysfunction; recurrent varices in comparison with previously untreated are associated with reduced right ventricular filling and preserved right heart diastolic function. Older age is the most important risk factor for varicose veins and chronic venous disease possible due to significant changes in right ventricular filling and in right heart diastolic function with age.

Iliac Vein Stenting for Chronic Proximal Venous Outflow Obstruction in a Predominantly Asian-American Cohort

We investigated the outcome of vein stenting placement for chronic proximal venous outflow obstruction (PVOO) in a predominantly Asian-American cohort to improve patient selection, enhance technical approach, and better define quality measurements of this emerging vascular intervention. A total of 462 consecutive patients, 73% Asian American (n=336), who underwent iliac vein stenting for chronic PVOO from October 2013 to July 2016 were reviewed. Postoperative outcomes at five follow-up visits were assessed. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were run for demographic and operative variables. Ordered logistic regressions were run for the outcome at each time point, and Chi-squared tests as well as Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical variables. Follow-up was maintained in 90% of patients, with a mean follow-up time of 695days. Asian-American patients were more likely to present with varicose veins (77.4% vs. 54.8%, P<0.001), and non-Asian patients were more likely to present with active ulceration (26.2% vs. 5.1%, P<0.001). Asian-American patients were more likely to have bilateral stents placed (61.6% vs. 50%, P=0.026) and were less likely to have reinterventions (11.3% vs. 27.8%, P<0.001), a history of deep vein thrombosis (8.3% vs. 29.4%, P<0.001), or intraoperative findings of chronic postphlebitic changes (17.6% vs. 33.3%, P<0.001). Kruskal-Wallis tests were significant for improvement in patients of all the Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, Pathophysiology classes at 30days (P=0.041), 90days (P=0.045), 6months (P=0.041), and 1year (P<0.01). The Asian-American population had improved but comparatively lower follow-up scores at the 30-day mark (48% significantly improved or better vs. 63%, P=0.008) but higher follow-up scores at the >1year mark (80% significantly improved or better vs. 59%, P<0.001). Asian-American patients undergoing vein stent placement for chronic PVOO had comparatively worse outcomes than non-Asian patients at 30 days and better outcomes after one year. These patient groups had different outcomes postoperatively and outcomes which evolve differently over time.

Ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided foam sclerotherapy for lower extremity venous ulcers

ObjectiveIn foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins, ultrasound can track the spread of foam in only one direction. We hypothesized that using fluoroscopy in combination with ultrasound can reveal the spread of foam to deep veins through perforator veins and to other varicose veins in different directions. In this study, we examined the safety and effectiveness of ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided foam sclerotherapy for lower extremity venous ulcers. MethodsThis retrospective study included all patients receiving ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided foam sclerotherapy for varicose ulcers (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology class 6) of the lower extremities at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University (Zhenjiang, China) between May 1, 2016, and April 30, 2018. Polidocanol foam sclerosant was injected through indwelling needles (placed every 20 cm for saphenous veins and every 5-10 cm for others) into the varicose veins. When the contrast medium in the target vessels was replaced by the hypointense foam sclerosant or on signs of foam entry into the perforator veins under fluoroscopy, the injection was stopped and the site was manually pressed. All patients received postprocedure compression with elastic bandages until ulcer healing and compression stockings (30-40 mm Hg) thereafter. ResultsA total of 35 patients (42 limbs) were included. The maximal ulcer diameter was 3.6 ± 1.4 cm (range, 1.1-5.8 cm). The number of injection sites ranged from 3 to 10; total foam amount ranged from 4.5 to 35 mL. All 35 patients completed 12-month follow-up. Ulcer healing rate was 100%, and 1-year recurrence rate was 2.9%. The Venous Clinical Severity Score was 12.98 ± 3.91 before treatment, decreasing to 3.02 ± 2.39 at 12 months (P < .01). Superficial thrombophlebitis developed in 21 (50%) limbs. No deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism was observed during follow-up. Among the 33 limbs (27 patients) with ultrasound examination at 12 months, 28 (84.8%) limbs had complete occlusion and the remaining 5 (15.2%) had recanalization. ConclusionsUltrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided foam sclerotherapy is safe and effective for the treatment of venous ulcers of the lower extremities.

Influence of Body Mass Index (BMI), Age and Gender on Stages of Varicose Vein in Newly Diagnosed Cases Following Screening Doppler in Outpatient Clinic

Background Varicose vein is one of the most common venous diseases which affect superficial veins especially of lower limb. This disease is characterized by prominent dilated veins, feeling of heaviness, itchiness, pigmentation, ulceration depending upon the stage of the disease. Objective This study was conducted to know how Body Mass Index, Age and Gender influence staging of varicose veins in our context. Method This is a cross sectional hospital based study conducted at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital from April 2018 to March 2019. Patients with signs and symptoms of varicose vein were included in the study. Informed consent was taken from each patient and data collection done by filling the proforma. Result This study comprised 135 lower limbs with varicose vein from 108 patients. Male:Female ratio was 1.4:1. Mean age of patients was 44.47±12.65 (17-81) years. Significant correlation was found between increasing age and progression in Clinical staging of Varicose vein according to Clinical classification (p<0.05). Mean Great Saphenous Vein diameter at knee was found significantly higher in patients with more than five years of symptoms Mean Body Mass Index was not very different in different Clinical stage of Varicose veins. Conclusion This study showed that the Clinical Staging of Clinical Etiological Anatomical and Pathophysiological classification of varicose vein is significantly related to age. The mean diameter of Great Saphenous Vein at the level of Knee is significantly related to the duration of symptoms. However, the influence of Body Mass Index and gender on stages of varicose vein could not be established.

Limitations of VEINES QOL/SYM for discriminating chronic venous insufficiency severity.

BackgroundThe Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study - Quality of Life/Symptoms (VEINES-QOL / Sym) questionnaire was developed to evaluate the quality of life of individuals with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), but it has shown limited sensitivity for discriminating between people with different of disease severity.Objectivesa) to propose a new formula for calculating the VEINES-QOL/Sym score and to evaluate whether this new score is capable of discriminating disease severity; and b) to evaluate the association between VEINES-QOL/Sym scores and disease severity.MethodsNinety-eight participants with CVI of both sexes, aged 60.73 ± 14.11 years, answered the Portuguese Brazilian version of the VEINES-QOL/Sym questionnaire. The new score was calculated by transforming the original scores to a 0 to 100 scale. Discriminant analysis was used to test the capability of the original and modified VEINES-QOL/Sym scores to discriminate between and correctly classify groups characterized by the clinical, etiological, anatomical and pathophysiological classification (CEAP). Alpha of 5% was defined as the cutoff for significance.ResultsThere were no significant differences between CEAP groups in terms of the original or modified VEINES-QOL/Sym scores. Discriminant analysis was also unable to correctly classify CEAP groups, using either original or modified scores. Furthermore, there were no associations between CEAP classifications and scores obtained using the questionnaire.ConclusionsThe VEINES-QOL/Sym proved to have limitations for assessment of the quality of life and symptomatology of people with CVI at different stages.