J Korean Soc Vasc Surg.  2007 May;23(1):39-42.

The Frequency of Occurrence and Clinical Significance of the Giacomini Vein

• Shin M
• Kim YW
• Kim DI
• Lee KB

Abstract

PURPOSE: The Giacomini vein (GV) is one of branches that arising from the short saphenous vein (SSV) which extends cephalad along the posterior thigh communicating to the great saphenous vein (GSV), GSV branch or deep venous system. Despite of its common occurrence, the clinical significance of this venous structure isunknown yet. We investigated the frequency and the anatomical feature of the GV and the frequency of superficial or deep venous reflux associated GV to clarify its clinical significance. METHOD: We conductednon-invasive vascular evaluations on both legs using duplex ultrasonography in 50 patients having leg varicosity or telangiectasis. RESULT: 16 patients (32%) of 50 patients[28 limbs (28%) of 100 limbs]revealed the GV in their lower extremities. Among the patient with GV, venous refluxes of GSV, SSV or perforating vein (PV) were noted in frequencies of 16 limbs (76%), 8 limbs (38%) and 9 limbs (42%) respectively. The SSV and PV reflux were more common in the legs with GV than the legs without GV (P<0.001 respectively, McNemar test) regardless the existence of GV reflux.
CONCLUSION
The SSV or PV reflux was more commonly associated with GV.

Keyword

Giacomini vein; Venous reflux; Doppler duplex ultrasonography

MeSH Terms

Extremities
Humans
Leg
Lower Extremity
Saphenous Vein
Telangiectasis
Thigh
Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex
Veins*