POSSIBILITIES OF DUPLEX ULTRASOUND ANGIOSCANNING IN DIAGNOSIS OF DISORDERS OF MICROCIRCULATION IN VARICOSE VEIN DISEASE

Aim. To determine possibilities of evaluation of the condition of microcirculation of lower extremities using standard duplex ultrasound devices. Materials and Methods. The study involved 15 individuals with varicose vein disease of lower extremities without related arterial pathology (the diagnosis was made on the basis of CEAP classification): 78 patients of С2 class, 39 – С3 class, 52 – С4 class, 26 – С5,6 class and 15 healthy volunteers. The study was conducted using Medison Sonoace X8 and Sonoscape S 20 Pro devices. The condition of superficial, deep and perforating veins (PV) was determined. The blood flow through arteries accompanying perforating veins, was analyzed, and resistance index (RI) was calculated. Results. In the course of study the most commonly encountered were perforating veins localized in the distal part of the medial surface of shin (Cockett's group). Analysis of blood flow through the arteries accompanying the perforating veins revealed low RI in the magistral blood flow starting from C3 class. Besides, pseudo-pulsating venous flow was detected in 50% of PV. According to the ultrasound examination standards, these were direct signs of arteriolo-venular shunting. These signs appeared starting from C3 clinical class. Conclusions. Using standard DUS devices, it is possible to obtain information of the condition of the microcirculation in the zone of trophic changes by the analysis of the blood flow through perforating vessels.