Quantitative duplex ultrasound assessment of superficial venous incompetence: A state-of-the-art review

Superficial venous incompetence (SVI) is the most common manifestation of chronic venous disease and represents a significant global health burden. Ultrasound has long been the diagnostic modality of choice in the evaluation of SVI, offering excellent anatomical information of venous reflux. However, the most widely used and currently recommended ultrasound parameter, reflux time, has shown a limited correlation with clinical severity and should primarily be considered a qualitative measure used to determine the presence or absence of venous reflux. In this context, quantitative assessments of venous reflux may provide a more nuanced and clinically informative evaluation of the severity and character of SVI. This review aims to summarize and critically assess the current evidence, as well as existing knowledge gaps, concerning quantitative ultrasound-based evaluation of SVI.