Chronic venous insufficiency

Question 1

What is meant by chronic venous insufficiency?

Answer 1

Blood does not efficiently drain from the legs back to the heart

Question 2

What causes chronic venous insufficiency?

Answer 2

Multifactorial:

• Age
• Immobility
• Obesity
• Prolonged standing

Question 3

Which area of the leg is most commonly affected by chronic venous insufficiency?

Answer 3

Gaiter area

Question 4

What are the signs of chronic venous insufficiency on examination?

Answer 4

• Varicose veins
• Hemosiderin staining (red/brown)
• Venous eczema
• Lipodermatosclerosis (hard/tight skin)

Question 5

Patients with chronic venous insufficiency are vulnerable to which complications?

Answer 5

• Venous ulcers

- Cellulitis

Question 6

Describe the management of chronic venous insufficiency

Answer 6

• Keeping the skin healthy (e.g. regular use of emollient)

- Improving venous drainage (e.g. weight loss, keeping active, elevating legs when resting, compression stockings)