Initial patterns of unilateral great saphenous vein reflux in women with telangiectasias and varicose veins

Telangiectasias and varicose veins have been linked to chronic venous valvular insufficiency causing great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux. GSV diameter-reflux correlations were determined in women C1 and/or C2 and unilateral GSV reflux. Subgroups were: i) bilateral C1/C1 (n=106) and ii) refluxing GSV C2/contralateral nonrefluxing C1 or C2 (n=50). GSV included saphenofemoral junction (SFJ), GSV, and major veins in and out of the saphenous compartment at knee and calf. Prevalence and diameters were compared by Chi-square and paired t-test. Reflux prevalence at junction, thigh and calf were 5%, 26% and 71% of 106 refluxing C1 extremities, and 18%, 44% and 72% of 50 refluxing C2 extremities (P=0.007, 0.03, 0.87). Significant diameter increase compared to contralateral nonrefluxing segment (P<0.05) were at: C2 junction, 7.9±1.8 vs 6.6±1.5 mm, and C2 mid-thigh, junction refluxing or not, 4.8±1.1 vs 3.6±1.0 or 4.1±0.8 vs 3.6±0.7 mm. Calf GSV diameters averaged 2.5 to 2.7 mm if reflux was below-knee. Unilateral reflux occurred in calf veins without correlation to diameter. Enlarged diameters were noted in refluxing SFJ and thigh GSV of women with varicose veins.