Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins of the lower extremities

Korean J Intern Med. 2019 Mar;34(2):269-283. doi: 10.3904/kjim.2018.230. Epub 2018 Oct 26.

Abstract

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) of the lower extremities manifests itself in various clinical spectrums, ranging from asymptomatic but cosmetic problems to severe symptoms, such as venous ulcer. CVI is a relatively common medical problem but is often overlooked by healthcare providers because of an underappreciation of the magnitude and impact of the problem, as well as incomplete recognition of the various presenting manifestations of primary and secondary venous disorders. The prevalence of CVI in South Korea is expected to increase, given the possible underdiagnoses of CVI, the increase in obesity and an aging population. This article reviews the pathophysiology of CVI of the lower extremities and highlights the role of duplex ultrasound in its diagnosis and radiofrequency ablation, and iliac vein stenting in its management.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Review; Therapeutics; Venous insufficiency.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Cardiovascular
  • Humans
  • Iliac Vein
  • Lower Extremity / blood supply*
  • Radiofrequency Ablation
  • Stents
  • Varicose Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Varicose Veins / etiology
  • Varicose Veins / therapy*
  • Venous Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Venous Insufficiency / etiology
  • Venous Insufficiency / therapy*