Ultrasonographic measurement of saphenous vein diameter compared to CEAP classification in patients with varicose veins.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Ultrasound of the saphenous vein and measurement of the vein diameter may have a role in determining the severity of varicose veins. This study aimed to compare the saphenous vein diameter with the CEAP classification, as the reference standard in determining the severity of chronic venous diseases, in patients with lower limbs varicose veins free from saphenous vein reflux.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients with lower limbs varicose veins (saphenous vein) and free from saphenous vein reflux were enrolled. Demographic data (age, gender, body mass index (BMI)) were collected using a checklist. The severity of varicose veins was determined using the standard CEAP classification. The saphenous vein diameter was measured using ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 43 years and there were 68 female patients. According to the CEAP classification, 13 patients had no varicose veins (CEAP class C0). However, 87 patients had varicose veins (65 patients with class C1, one patient with class C2, and 21 patients with class C3). Mean saphenous vein diameter in the whole sample was 6.7 mm. There was no significant relationship between the severity of varicose veins determined by CEAP classification and mean saphenous vein diameter measured by ultrasound. Mean saphenous vein diameter in C0, C1, C2, and C3 groups were respectively 1.7 mm, 6.7 mm, 8 mm, and 8.7 mm (P= 0.71). On the other hand, mean saphenous vein diameter was higher significantly in those with higher body mass index (BMI) and among older patients.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that saphenous vein diameter did not differ significantly between CEAP C0 through C4 classes. However, the severity of varicose vein was more prominent in older patients and those with higher BMI.