Quantitative assessment of the degree of deep venous reflux of the lower extremities.

Objective: We sought to quantitatively evaluate the degree of deep venous reflux of the lower extremities using colour Doppler velocity profile (CDVP) technology.

Methods: Deep venous reflux volume was examined using CDVP in 79 limbs of 66 patients who were admitted to our hospital between July 1999 and July 2000 with primary, deep venous, valvular incompetence. Reflux data were statistically described and analyzed.

Results: Of 79 limbs, 20 had grade I reflux, with a mean reflux volume of 29.79 +/- 5.89 mL/min; 19 had grade II reflux, mean reflux volume, 43.87 +/- 4.86 mL/min; 23 had grade III reflux, mean reflux volume, 70.67 +/- 5.77 mL/min; and 17 had grade IV reflux, mean reflux volume, 105.07 +/- 14.8 mL/min. There were significant differences among grades I, II, III and IV (p < 0.05), except between grades I and II (p > 0.05) for analysis of variance and Student-Newman-Keuls analysis, although the 95% confidence interval (CI) of grade I was different from grade II. Every degree of reflux volume showed close correlation with the reflux index. Other indices were less sensitive.

Conclusions: Venous reflux volume is a more accurate non-invasive quantitative assessment of the degree of deep venous reflux in the lower extremities than current methods.