A sonographic study of thigh telangiectasias. (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Santiago, Fabricio R; Piscoya, Mario; Chi, Yung-Wei
• Is Part Of: Phlebology. Volume 33:Number 7(2018)
• Page Start: 500
• Page End: 501
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: Lateral thigh -- reticular veins -- perforator veins -- telangiectasias; Veins -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.14
• DOI: 10.1177/0268355517717404
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-3555

Abstract

Introduction: To date, there are limited descriptive data on the ultrasonographic characteristics of reticular and perforator veins associated with telangiectasias of the thigh. Objectives: Evaluate the prevalence, anatomic correlations of reticular and perforator veins associated with lateral thigh telangiectasias. Methods: This was a cohort study performed between June and December of 2014. Twenty-four female patients (43 limbs) with telangiectasias of the lateral thigh were evaluated by duplex ultrasound. Reticular and perforator veins were characterized according to valvular competency, vein diameter and connection with perforator veins at the thigh. Body mass index, current use of oral contraceptive, and history of pregnancy correlation data were also collected. A non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test and a Student's t-test test were used for analysis. Results: All 43 limbs had incompetent reticular veins underlying telangiectasias sites. A total of 20 incompetent perforator veins were found to be connected to the reticular veins. Obese and overweight patients had a higher prevalence of incompetent perforator veins and larger reticular veins when compared to those with normal weight (P < 0.05). Lower extremities with telangiectasias had a higher frequency of total perforator veins (n = 33) and incompetent perforator veins (n = 16) than extremities without telangiectasias (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Lateral thigh telangiectasias were associated with both incompetent reticular and perforator veins. Obese and overweight patients were especially affected.