Limb circulation in varicosity of various types.

Regulation of limb circulation was studied by the use of the venous isotope dilution technique in 35 patients with leg varicosities. The circulatory parameters of 54 patients with normal limb circulation served as control. The various types of varicosity revealed characteristic circulatory patterns. (i) In the cases of congenital, "juvenile", varicosity limb blood flow is high, the limb AV-O2 difference is very slight and limb O2 uptake is normal. (ii) In secondary varicosity consecutive to thrombophlebitis the limb (total) blood flow is slightly reduced, the limb AV-O2 difference is smaller than normal and O2 uptake by the extremital tissues is diminished. (iii) In non-congenital, primary varicosity, i.e. in the most common form, limb blood flow is normal, the limb vascular resistance is slightly increased. The possibilities of the production of an AV shunt and the clinical implications of the circulatory changes accompanying the various types of varicosity are discussed.