Jae Woong Choi MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Suk Joo Hong MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sang Woo Park MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Cheol Min Park MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hae Young Seol MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

In Ho Cha MD,PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

We investigated the color Doppler ultrasound findings of varicose veins in lower extremities and graded the severity of sapheno-femoral junction(SFJ) incompetence.

Over 12 consecutive months, all patients referred to the radiologic department to scan color Doppler untrasonography for screening examination of varicose vein were assessed. Ultrasound examination was focused on SFJ incompetence, sapheno-popliteal junction (SPJ) incompetence, and the presence of incompetent perforating veins (PVs). The severity of SFJ incompetence was graded as follows: grade I, incompetence found only during Valsalva’s maneuver on standing position; grade II, incompetence found during Valsava’s maneuver on standing and supine positions; grade III, incompetence found spontaneously on standing position; grade IV, incompetence found spontaneously on standing and supine positions.

Seventy seven patients were assessed (mean age 46.9 (range 17-75); male:female ratio 1:2.25), comprising 108 limbs. Forty nine limbs had a incompetent SFJ. Twenty Two limbs had a incompetent SPJ. Of 49 SFJ incompetence, grade I was 7; grade II 9; grade III 12; grade IV 21. Of 22 SPJ incompetence, grade I was 2; grade II 4; grade III 8; grade IV 8. 3 patients who had positive SFJ incompetence on color Doppler ultrasonography had not visible varicose vein on phyical examination.

SFJ incompetence is a major color Doppler ultrasound finding of varicose veins and its grading by color Doppler ultrasonography is feasible. It is important to notice that SFJ incompetence can be present in patient with no visible varicose vein.

Choi, J, Hong, S, Park, S, Park, C, Seol, H, Cha, I, Grading of Sapheno-Femoral Junction Incompetence in Varicose Vein: Color Doppler Ultrasonographic Findings.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4420054.html