Chronic venous insufficiency is characterized by leg skin discoloration, leg or ankle swelling and sometimes skin ulcerations or sores. Varicose veins, which are enlarged and tortuous vessels, can progress to chronic venous insufficiency if left untreated.
Commonly associated conditions include:
Patients with longstanding untreated varicose veins may progress to develop chronic venous insufficiency.
Chronic venous insufficiency is easily recognized by an experienced vein specialist. However, additional testing, usually with ultrasound examination, may be needed to document vein valve damage, and to exclude other conditions.
As in the treatment of varicose veins, a thorough diagnostic evaluation is performed. Multiple modalities may be needed, including stenting (to open blockages), endovenous laser ablation (to close veins), ambulatory microphlebectomy (to remove large surface veins), and ultrasound-guided chemical ablation. In addition, chronic compression stockings use may be recommended.