Acute effects of graduated and progressive compression stockings on leg vein cross-sectional area and viscoelasticity in patients with chronic venous disease.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of graduated and progressive elastic compression stockings (ECS) on postural diameter changes and viscoelasticity of leg veins in healthy controls and in limbs with chronic venous disease (CVD).

METHODS

In 57 patients whose legs presented with C, C, or C CEAP classes of chronic venous disease and were treated primarily with compression, and 54 healthy controls matched for age and body mass index, we recorded interface pressures (IFP) at 9 reference leg levels. Cross-sectional areas of the small saphenous vein (SSV) and a deep calf vein (DCV) were measured with B-mode ultrasound with patients supine and standing, recording the force (PF) applied on the ultrasound probe to collapse each vein with progressive ECS, and with and without graduated 15 to 20 mm Hg and 20 to 36 mm Hg elastic stockings. We chose these veins because they were free of detectable lesion and could be investigated at the same level (mid-height of the calf), and their compression by the ultrasound probe was not hampered by bone structures.

RESULTS

IFP decreased from ankle to knee with graduated 15 to 20 and 20 to 36 mm Hg, but increased with progressive ECS, and were 8.4 to 13.8 mm Hg lower for C than for control or C and C limbs. Without ECS, the SSV median [lower-upper quartile] cross-sectional area was 4.9 mm [3.6-7.1 mm] and 7.1 mm [3.0-9.9 mm] in C and C limbs versus 2.9 mm [1.8-5.2 mm] and 3.8 mm [2.1-5.4 mm] in controls (P < .01), respectively, while supine and standing. It remained greater in C and C than in C and control limbs wearing any ESC. Wearing compression, especially with progressive ECS, decreased the SSV and DCV cross-sectional area only with patients supine, thus decreasing postural changes, which remained highly diverse between individuals. The SSV cross-sectional area versus PF function traced a hysteresis loop of which the area, related to viscosity, was greater in C and C limbs than controls, even with graduated 15 to 20 or 20 to 36 mm Hg ECS. Progressive ECS decreased vein viscosity in the supine position, whereas 20 to 36 mm Hg and progressive ECS increased distensibility in the standing position.

CONCLUSIONS

ECS decrease the cross-sectional area of SSV and DCV with patients supine, but not upright. C limbs show distinctive features, especially regarding IFP. Graduated 20 to 36 mm Hg and progressive stockings lower viscosity and increase distensibility of the SSV.