Doppler ultrasonography of the femoropopliteal segment in patients with venous ulcer Avaliação do segmento venoso femoropoplíteo pela ultrassonografia Doppler em pacientes com úlcera varicosa

Background: Ulcer is a severe complication from chronic venous insufficiency; thus, its pathophysiology needs to be deeply understood. Venous Doppler ultrasonography is the most appropriate complementary imaging study, enabling the study of the superficial and deep venous system, the diameter and flow of the veins. Recent studies have suggested that popliteal vein reflux is an important factor for the development of ulceration. Objective: To evaluate the venous reflux of the femoropopliteal segment in patients with venous ulcers. Study design: Prevalence study. Methods: Were enrolled 104 patients with 118 lower extremities with venous ulcers. Patients underwent Doppler ultrasonography of the affected limb showing the venous reflux of the femoropopliteal segment and popliteal vein diameter. Primary variable was venous reflux in the femoropopliteal segment; and secondary variable was diameter of the popliteal vein. Results: Venous reflux in the femoropopliteal segment was observed in 56 of the 118 limbs with venous ulcer (47.45%) in 104 patients. The mean diameter of the popliteal vein was 1.14 cm, whereas 0.6 cm was the normal mean diameter of the population. Conclusion: Venous reflux in the femoropopliteal segment is a major factor in assessing the prognosis of these patients. Increased diameter of the popliteal vein reflects the magnitude of venous insufficiency.