J Korean Radiol Soc.  1997 Dec;37(6):1039-1042.

Color Doppler Ultrasound in Chronic Venous Insufficiency

• Yoo JH
• Suh JS

Abstract

PURPOSE
To analyse Doppler findings in patients with chronic venous insufficiency, and evaluate the usefulness of color Doppler ultrasonography.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty-seven limbs in 29 patients were evaluated with color Doppler ultrasound for suspected chronic venous insufficiency. To determine luminal patency and valvular competence, the venous system was examined; more than 1 sec of reflux flow during Valsalva maneuver and after release of distal compression in the popliteal vein indicated incompetence.
RESULTS
Venous insufficiency was seen in 30 cases (81%), and was Superficial in 14 (38%), deep in eight (21.5%), and combined in eight (21.5%). In seven limbs (19%), veins were normal. Six cases of insufficiency, four of which were deep, were combined with deep venous thrombosis.
CONCLUSION
In cases of chronic venous insufficiency, color Doppler ultrasound is useful for defining the exact site of venous incompetence and evaluating venous luminal patency.

Keyword

Veins, extremities; Veins, abnormalities; Veins, US; Ultrasound(US), Doppler studies

MeSH Terms

Extremities
Humans
Mental Competency
Phenobarbital
Popliteal Vein
Ultrasonography*
Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
Valsalva Maneuver
Veins
Venous Insufficiency*
Venous Thrombosis
Phenobarbital