Relationship between clinical severity and hemodynamic impact of great saphenous vein incompetence using strain gauge plethysmography and duplex ultrasound

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the relation of quantitative Duplex ultrasound (DUS) and strain gauge plethysmography (SGP) parameters with clinical severity and quality of life in patients with superficial venous incompetence. Methods DUS volume flow and distal SGP refilling times (T50 and T90) were evaluated in 152 patients (164 Limbs) with superficial incompetence. Clinical severity and quality of life were evaluated with C of the CEAP classification, venous clinical severity score (VCSS), Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire (AVVQ), and EuroQol 5D-3L. Results Higher DUS volume flow was associated with higher C in CEAP scores. Volume flow was also related to T50 and T90. Shorter T50 and T90 were associated with higher C in CEAP and VCSS. T50 was also associated with EQ-5DVAS. Reflux extension to the foot wase associated with shorter T50 and T90 and higher DUS volume flow. Conclusions DUS volume flow and SGP refilling times are related with clinical severity and provide quantitative information regarding venous function in patients with superficial incompetence.