Chronic venous insufficinecy

Question 1

What is chronic venous insufficiency?

Answer 1

When blood does not efficiently drain from the legs back to the heart. Normally due to damage to the valves

Question 2

What skin changes may be seen in chronic venous insufficiency?

Answer 2

Haemosiderin staining - red / brown discolouration (due to leakage of haemoglobin)
Venous eczema - due to chronic inflammatory response
Lipodermatosclerosis - hardening + tightening of the skin + tissue beneath the skin
Atrophie blanche - patches of smooth, porcelain- white scar tissue surrounded by hyperpigmentation

Skin ulcers
Cellulitis
Poor healing after injury

Question 3

How is chronic venous insufficiency managed?

Answer 3

Keeping the surrounding skin healthy - regular use of emollients, topic steroids for venous eczema

Improving venous drainage - weight loss, exercise, keep legs elevated, compression stockings

Manage complications - analgesia, abx for infections, wound care

Question 4

How is chronic venous insufficiency managed?

Answer 4

Keeping the surrounding skin healthy - regular use of emollients, topic steroids for venous eczema

Improving venous drainage - weight loss, exercise, keep legs elevated, compression stockings

Manage complications - analgesia, abx for infections, wound care