Location of venous reflux in our duplex test of patients with primary chronic venous insufficiency and comparison with that of the literature

Background: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) significantly impacts patients’ quality of life and poses economic burdens on healthcare systems. Accurate assessment of venous reflux is crucial for effective management. This study aimed to identify the sites of deep, superficial, and perforator venous reflux, including junctional incompetencies between superficial and deep veins in patients with primary CVI. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024, utilizing non-invasive Duplex ultrasonography on patients in our clinical practice. Data were collected without patient identification, and informed consent was obtained prior to procedures. Reflux was defined as venous flow reversal lasting over 0.5 seconds. Results: A total of 50 limbs from patients aged 20 to 77 years (mean age 43) were examined, with a male-to-female ratio of 52:48. Reflux was detected in the external iliac (41 limbs), common femoral (39 limbs), superficial femoral (21 limbs), popliteal (26 limbs), posterior tibial (7 limbs) and perforator veins (21 limbs). Sapheno-femoral junction incompetency was observed in 28 cases, with 6 cases indicating early-stage reflux. Dilatation of the great saphenous vein was noted in 33 cases, while 14 cases exhibited short saphenous vein dilatation. Conclusions: The detection of venous reflux reveals significant insights for diagnosing and managing CVI. This study highlights areas for improvement in Duplex examination techniques, advocating for enhanced training for healthcare professionals to elevate diagnostic standards, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes and reducing societal burdens associated with CVI.