HEMODYNAMIC DISORDERS IN VARICOSE VEIN DISEASE

Aim. Duplex ultrasound scanning (DUS) is a routine diagnostic procedure in patients with varicose vein disease. DUS mostly evaluates the qualitative (anatomical) parameters of the disease. Still, it is difficult to assess the microcirculatory parameters in trophic disorders based only on the anatomy, therefore assessment of quantitative blood flow parameters is needed. Our aim was to determine the potentials of conventional DUS in assessment of the hemodynamic disorders in patients with varicose disease. Materials and Methods. The study included 583 patients with varicose disease, 348 of which had trophic alterations. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to the CEAP clinical classes. Standard Valsalva and Siegel tests were performed during DUS. The following parameters were assessed in the superficial and deep veins: diameter of veins, antegrade blood flow velocity, retrograde blood flow velocity, reflux time; in the perforator veins (PV) – diameter, maximum velocity and average velocity of reflux. Peripheral resistance index (RI) in the arteries accompanying the PV was also analyzed. Results. A statistically significant difference in the diameter of the GSV was obtained between classes C2 and C3, C3 and C4, but not between class C5, 6 and class C4. Similar findings were observed in the assessment of diameter of the PVs and the velocity of retrograde blood flow through them. A gradual increase in these parameters could be seen with the progression of the disease, but a statistically significant difference was obtained only between classes C2 and C3 for the diameter of the PV and the peak velocity of retrograde blood flow. As for the average blood flow velocity, a statistically significant difference was obtained between classes C2 and C3, C3 and C4. Arteries in the perforator bundles demonstrated low RI which may be attributed to the presence of an arteriolo-venular bypass. Statistically significant differences were obtained for CEAP classes C2 and C3. Conclusions. Ultrasound duplex scanning of the study with use of Superb Micro-Vascular Imaging mode is an effective method in assessing the quantitative and microcirculatory parameters of hemodynamic disorders in patients with varicose vein disease of the lower extremities. Trophic ulcers in varicose vein disease are not an obligatory component of the disease, but only its complication.