Ann Phlebology.  2023 Jun;21(1):5-13. 10.37923/phle.2023.21.1.5.

Optimal Diagnosis and Therapy of Venous Ulcer

• Lee KB

• KMID: 2549994
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.37923/phle.2023.21.1.5

Abstract

Venous ulcer, a condition caused by chronic venous disorder, is the most common form of leg ulcer, accounting for approximately 70% of all leg ulcer cases. The prevalence of venous ulcer is known to range between approximately 0.06% and 2%, and even when treated, it is known to recur in approximately 75% of cases. Reflux and obstruction caused by a venous disorder are both key pathophysiological factors of venous ulcer, and in particular, obstruction causes venous ulcer at a high frequency. The diagnosis of venous ulcer is based mostly on medical history, clinical presentations, and physical examination. Venous ulcers typically occur in the gaiter region and are often accompanied by telangiectasia, corona phlebectatica, atrophie blanche, and lipodermatosclerosis. Duplex ultrasonography is the most commonly used method for diagnosing chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and assessing its causes. It can also be used to diagnose reflux and obstruction and evaluate the severity and distribution of reflux. However, although longer reflux time is typically observed in CVI, it is not always consistent with the clinical presentations. Recently, intravascular ultrasound is being adopted rapidly since it is capable of providing more accurate diagnosis and being very helpful in endovascular intervention. Treatment for venous ulcer involves reducing edema, promoting healing, and preventing recurrence of ulcer. Compression therapy is the standard therapy for CVI and venous ulcer. Elastic compression therapy is more effective than inelastic compression therapy because it offers the advantage of maintaining compression both at rest and during activities, adjusting to changes in leg size. Compressive stockings, which comprise the core component of elastic compression therapy, help to reduce residual volume fraction, an indicator of calf muscle pump improvement, and promote healing of venous ulcers by reducing reflux in venous segments. Proper wound care and dressings play a vital role in venous ulcer treatment. The wound should be kept moist at all times, while various dressings can be applied to promote healing of the ulcer. Moreover, faster healing of venous ulcer can be achieved by compression therapy with additional intravenous or surgical treatment, as compared to compression therapy alone.

Keyword

Venous ulcer; Diagnosis and treatment