[Diagnosis of varicose disease].

Abstract

DIAGNOSIS OF VARICOSE DISEASE. Varicose vein disease corresponds anatomically to an alteration of the venous wall and/or the valve system of one or more superficial veins, or segments of these veins, and is characterized by reflux causing venous hypertension. The clinical signs, precisely described by the CEAP classification (clinical, etiological, anatomical, pathophysiological), include aside asymptomatic forms, telangiectasias, varicose veins, edema, and skin disorders up to the stage of leg ulcers. The functional signs, also very variable and sometimes absent, are not limited to leg heaviness. Non-specific, they are mainly characterized by their timing and mode of occurrence. Duplex ultrasound (DU) examination allows to confirm the existence of venous reflux, to specify its extension, to measure the diameter of the pathological veins and to analyze their wall remodeling. DU is essential to precisely characterize the varicose disease to define the therapeutic modalities to be considered. Its results are recorded on a venous cartography which graphically represents all the echo-anatomical and hemodynamic data collected. In the event of varicose disease, a specialized medical consultation is necessary to offer therapeutic care adapted to the specific problem of each patient.