Chronic venous insufficiency, could it be one of the missing pieces in the puzzle of treating pain?

Pain is a common complaint among patients seeking medical care.If left un-treated,pain can become chronic,significantly affecting patients’quality of life.An accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of pain is crucial for effective treatment.Chronic venous insufficiency(CVI)is frequently overlooked by pain physicians.Moreover,many pain physicians lack sufficient knowledge about CVI.CVI is a common condition resulting from malfunctioning or damaged valves in lower limb veins.Symptoms of CVI,ranging from mild to severe,include pain,heaviness,fatigue,itching,swelling,skin color changes,and ulcers in the lower limbs.Recently,it has become more widely known that these symptoms can be attributed to CVI.Even slight or mild CVI can cause related symptoms.Pain physicians primarily consider neuromusculoskeletal disorders when assessing patients with leg pain,and often neglect the possibility of CVI.In clinical practice,when pain physicians encounter patients with unresolved leg pain,they must assess whether the patients exhibit symptoms of CVI and conduct tests to differ-entiate CVI from other potential causes.

Double-Blind, Parallel Group Study to Compare the Clinical Effectiveness of Calcium Dobesilate 500 mg BID vs. Calcium Dobesilate LP 1 g OD, in Patients with Chronic Venous Insufficiency of the Lower Limbs

Background: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) describes a condition that affects the venous system of the lower extremities due to venous hypertension (VH. The prevalence is between 5% - 30%. CVI is associated with older age, smoking, lower extremity trauma, presence of an arteriovenous shunt, and elevated estrogen levels. All patients should be initially treated with conservative management. Venoactive drugs like calcium dobesilate are useful. Objectives: The primary objective compared the clinical improvement in patients with CVI, grades 0 - 3 of the CEAP classification of chronic venous disease, produced by two formulations of calcium dobesilate: calcium dobesilate LP 1 g OD vs calcium dobesilate 500 mg BID, immediate release. The secondary objective assessed the side effects of both formulations. Method: All patients took one tablet and one capsule at 7 am, and one capsule at 7 pm, for 8 weeks. One group received dobesilate 1 g OD and the other group received dobesilate 500 md BID. They were evaluated after 15, 30 and 60 days of treatment, using the symptom evaluation scale. Results: In both groups, there was a significant decrease in the symptom score after 15 days. Four patients in the Dobesilate OD group: had adverse effects, which did not require suspension of treatment. In the BID dobesilate group, there was one therapeutic failure, and one case of gastric discomfort. Conclusions: Prolonged-release Calcium dobesilate 1 g OD is as effective as calcium dobesilate 500 mg BID for the treatment of patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

Utility of plasma D-dimer for diagnosis of venous thromboembolism after hepatectomy

BACKGROUND Venous thromboembolism(VTE)is a potentially fatal complication of hepatectomy.The use of postoperative prophylactic anticoagulation in patients who have undergone hepatectomy is controversial because of the risk of postoperative bleeding.Therefore,we hypothesized that monitoring plasma D-dimer could be useful in the early diagnosis of VTE after hepatectomy.AIM To evaluate the utility of monitoring plasma D-dimer levels in the early diagnosis of VTE after hepatectomy.METHODS The medical records of patients who underwent hepatectomy at our institution between January 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not they developed VTE after hepatectomy,as diagnosed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography and/or ultrasonography of the lower extremities.Clinicopathological factors,including demographic data and perioperative D-dimer values,were compared between the two groups.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the D-dimer cutoff value.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression analysis to identify significant predictors.RESULTS In total,234 patients who underwent hepatectomy were,of whom(5.6%)were diagnosed with VTE following hepatectomy.A comparison between the two groups showed significant differences in operative time(529 vs 403 min,P=0.0274)and blood loss(530 vs 138 mL,P=0.0067).The D-dimer levels on postoperative days(POD)1,3,5,7 were significantly higher in the VTE group than in the non-VTE group.In the multivariate analysis,intraoperative blood loss of>275 mL[odds ratio(OR)=5.32,95%confidence interval(CI):1.05-27.0,P=0.044]and plasma D-dimer levels on POD 5≥21μg/mL(OR=10.1,95%CI:2.04-50.1,P=0.0046)were independent risk factors for VTE after hepatectomy.CONCLUSION Monitoring of plasma D-dimer levels after hepatectomy is useful for early diagnosis of VTE and may avoid routine prophylactic anticoagulation in the postoperative period.

Strategies and challenges in treatment of varicose veins and venous insufficiency

Patients with varicose veins can be treated with conservative or surgical approaches based on the clinical conditions and patient preferences.In the recent decade,the recommendations for managing symptomatic varicose veins have changed dramatically due to the rise of minimally invasive endovascular techniques.The literature was systematically searched on Medline without language restrictions.All papers on the treatment of varicose veins and venous insufficiency with different procedures were included and reviewed.Endovenous laser ablation(EVLA)and radiofrequency ablation(RFA)both are same safe and effective in terms of occlusion rate,and time to return to normal activity.In comparison with RFA or EVLT,Cure conservatrice et Hemodynamique de l’Insufficience Veineuse en Ambulatoire(CHIVA)may cause more bruising and make little or no difference to rates of limb infection,superficial vein thrombosis,nerve injury,or hematoma.In terms of recurrence of varicose veins,there is little or no difference between CHIVA and stripping,RFA,or EVLT.Great saphenous vein recanalization is highest in the ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy(FS)group(51%)during 1 year of follow-up.The 2013 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence clinical guidelines recommend surgery as a third-line therapeutic option after EVLA or RFA and sclerotherapy.Although the mechanochemical endovenous ablation(MOCA)is a non-thermal,non-tumescent option and appears to be of similar efficacy to stab avulsion with no potential risk of nerve damage,the overall success rate of MOCA is lower than those of other procedures such as EVLA,RFA,or high ligation and stripping.EVLA is the most cost-effective therapeutic option,with RFA being a close second for the treatment of patients with varicose veins.Endovenous thermal ablation(EVLA or RFA)is recommended as a first-line treatment for varicose veins and has substituted the high ligation of saphenofemoral junctional reflux and stripping of varicose veins.Ultrasound-guided FS is associated with a high recurrence rate and can be used in conjunction with other procedures.MOCA and cyanoacrylate embolization appear promising,but evidence of their effectiveness is required.

Diagnosis and treatment of venous malformations in China: consensus document

Venous malformations(VMs) are the most common vascular developmental anomalies. There are many controversies over VMs in Chinese clinical medical practice. Experts on the panel from vascular-anomaly centers in China reviewed the etiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, classification, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and treatment of VMs. The aim of this consensus document is to provide recommendations for, and assist clinicians and patients in, the diagnosis and treatment of VMs.

Comparison of 1470 nm Radial Fiber Laser Ablation and Radiofrequency Ablation in Endovascular Treatment of Venous Insufficiency

Background: In this study, we aimed to compare the results of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with lower extremity venous insufficiency due to great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux on efficiency, patient comfort and postoperative morbidity. Methods: Endovascular approach in treatment of GSV insufficiency was performed in 283 patients between 2011 and 2014 at our clinic. In group 1, EVLA was performed on 149 patients (42 male, 107 female;mean age 46.90 ± 11.43) and in group 2, RFA was performed on 134 patients (41 male, 93 female;mean age 47.02 ± 12.58). The results were compared in terms of local pain, ecchymosis, paresthesia, venous clinic severity score (VCSS), length of GSV that process performed, efficiency and Clinical Etiology Anatomy Pathophysiology (CEAP) classification data. Results: GSV diameter at saphenofemoral junction level was 10.65 ± 3.72 mm and 11.29 ± 3.78 mm in group 1 and 2, respectively. Length of GSV that process performed was 38.97 ± 6.88 cm in group 1 and 41.83 ± 4.82 cm in group 2. Postoperatively burn, pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were not observed in both groups. Postoperative complications in group 1 were hematoma formation in 2 (1.3%) patients, ecchymosis in 13 (8.7%) patients, edema in 21 (14.1%) patients and paresthesia in 10 (6.7%) patients. Postoperative complications in group 2 were hematoma formation in 1 (0.7%) patient, ecchymosis in 8 (6%) patients, edema in 12 (9%) patients and paresthesia in 6 (4.5%) patients. The efficiency of the process was 96.6% in EVLA group and 98.5% in RFA group. Conclusion: We conclude that both RFA and 1470 nm radial fiber EVLA procedures are effective and reliable techniques in treatment of GSV insufficiency. No significant difference was found between two techniques in terms of efficiency and postoperative morbidity.

PATHOLOGIC CHANGES OF MUSCLE IN VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY

The pathologic changes in the muscle biopsy specimens of 26 patients with venous insufficiency were studied A total of 19 biopsied specimens of the gastrocnemius exhibited pathologic change, 9 patients had selective atrophy of type 2 fibre, 4 patients had denervative change,and 6 patients had evidence of myopathic change, but specimens removed from adductor longus muscle of patients as the control group revealed no significant change. The results suggest that chronic venous insufficiency results in muscle pathologic changes. The combined effect of elevated venous capacitance secondary to venous insufficiency and poor muscle contraction contributes to venous hypertention.

Case Report of a Chronic Wound Due to Venous Insufficiency Following a Traumatic Arteriovenous Fistula

Chronic lower limb wounds are common. They can be of arterial or venous origin. In this article, we will present a clinical case of a 30-year-old patient with a chronic injury to the right medial malleolus. In his history, we can note a gunshot wound to the right leg. Ultrasonography and CT angiography helped in the diagnosis of traumatic arteriovenous fistula. The patient underwent a fistula embolization which allowed the wound to heal. The clinical presentation, additional examinations and the latest treatment recommendations will be discussed in this article.

Role of the ultra-wide-field imaging system in the diagnosis of pigmented paravenous chorioretinal atrophy

Dear Editor,P igmented paravenous chorioretinal atrophy(PPCRA), which was first described by Hewiston-Brown in 1937, is a rare pigmentary retinopathy affecting the retina and choroid;most patients mainly manifest symmetrical retinal choroid in both eyes, except for a small number of patients with monocular manifestations[1].

Application of the preventive treatment theory of traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of chronic venous insufficiency of lower extremity

Chronic venous insufficiency is characterized by high incidence,difficult treatment and high recurrence rate.Traditional Chinese Medicine Preventive Treatment Theory is one of the important core contents in the theory of TCM.By using the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preventive Treatment,using the theory of“prevention before illness,prevention the disease continues to change and prevention repeated when the disease has been cured”,can reduce the incidence rate effectively,improve the effect of clinical treatment,it is also to enrich and develop the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preventive Treatment.

Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Management

February 2,2007—The American College of Physicians and American Academy of Family Physicians announced clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of venous thromboembolism(VTE),which claims more than 200,000 lives each year in the United States.

The Diagnosis and Prevention,Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism

1 High-risk of venous thromboembolism(VTE) 1.1 The high incidence of VTE detected in the autopsy rate was as high as 35%～52%,70%of life have not been diagnosed before.Western population epidemiological survey of its annual incidence rate was 0.1%,in particular,the highest incidence rates in Caucasians。

Arterial stimulation with simultaneous venous sampling for localizing insulinomas

Purpose: The present study aimed to assess the accuracies of arterial stimulation with simultaneous venous sampling(ASVS) in preoperative localization of insulinomas. Materials and Methods: A cohort consisting of 6 males and 14 females(median age, 48.5y; range, 28–62y) with pathologically proven insulinomas were included in this study. Selective angiographies were performed with the superior mesenteric artery(SMA), gastroduodenal artery(GDA), proximal splenic artery, and midsplenic artery in all individuals. Then ASVS procedures were followed after angiographies for these arteries. Clinical characteristics of the patient and the tumor number, location, and size were recorded. The accuracy of preoperative localization of insulinomas was tested. Results: A total of 22 tumors were identified by histopathological diagnosis. The mean size of the tumor was 1.40±0.60 cm. Five tumors were in the head/neck region and 17 in the body/tail region. ASVS accurately localized 17/20(85%) cases with only biochemical data and 19/20(95%) cases with biochemical data and angiography images. Variant pancreatic arterial anatomy was revealed in 2 false cases with inferior pancreatic artery replaced by the superior mesenteric artery. Conclusion: ASVS was highly accurate in localizing insulinomas and should be performed in most of the patients with suspected insulinomas before the operation.

Eosinophilia complicated with venous thromboembolism:A case report

BACKGROUND Eosinophilia is an increase of more than 0.5×109/L in the number of eosinophils;it is a systemic condition with an unknown etiology and is often accompanied by multiple impaired organ functions.The clinical manifestations of the disease are highly variable and diverse,rendering identification of the diagnosis challenging;hence,diagnosis and treatment are often delayed.Very few reports of this disease exist globally,especially with rare manifestations of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and hemorrhage.CASE SUMMARY A 32-year-old woman with eosinophilia presented to the hospital with bilateral lower-limb edema as the first clinical manifestation,followed by an extensive maculopapular rash throughout the body.She subsequently developed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis along with bilateral lower-limb deep vein thrombosis.Two weeks earlier,she had received a single course of antibiotics from a local hospital for a low-grade fever and sore throat.After various treatments were administered for anticoagulation,maintaining blood circulation,and relieving blood stasis,the lower extremity edema improved significantly;however,the patient’s eosinophil count gradually increased.She experienced cerebral venous sinus thrombosis,cerebral hemorrhage,and deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs before being declared brain dead.In this case report,we have elaborated the diagnosis and management of deep vein thrombosis manifested as eosinophilia,thrombocytopenia,and elevated D-dimer levels.CONCLUSION Because proper diagnosis is challenging,clinical vigilance is required for patients with eosinophilia,as it can lead to thrombus formation.

Severe venous thromboembolism in the puerperal period caused by thrombosis:A case report

BACKGROUND The incidence of venous thromboembolism(VTE)in pregnant women is significantly higher than that in non-pregnant women.VTE is more common after delivery than before delivery,and this condition can be hidden and develops rapidly.VTE mainly includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.Thrombophilia is an important risk factor for VTE in pregnant women and includes acquired thrombophilia and hereditary thrombophilia.CASE SUMMARY A 24-year-old nulliparous female patient underwent cesarean section of the lower uterus due to fetal distress.Anti-inflammatory rehydration was given after the operation to prevent thrombosis.The patient had no obvious discomfort after surgery.Ten days after the operation,the patient developed a fever.The patient's mother revealed that she had a previous history of a lower extremity venous thrombosis.Color Doppler ultrasound showed deep vein thrombosis in the left lower extremity.The results of computed tomography angiography showed that the patient had a double pulmonary artery embolism.Bilateral lower extremity antegrade venography,inferior vena cava angiography and filter placement were performed.The patient continued to receive anticoagulant therapy.After 2 wk,the patient's condition improved.An anticoagulant protein test was performed 2 mo after discharge,and the results showed that both the patient and her mother had reduced protein S.CONCLUSION Clinicians should learn to recognize the high-risk factors for VTE,improve their understanding of VTE,and actively prevent and diagnose VTE as early as possible.

Successful resection of a huge retroperitoneal venous hemangioma:A case report

BACKGROUND Venous hemangioma is a benign and non-invasive type of tumor,which is rarely identified due to the absence of clinical manifestations.A retroperitoneal benign tumor is comparatively rare,and hemangioma is exceptional.Because of the different types and locations of hemangioma,presentations are varied;thus,establishing an accurate diagnosis before surgery is challenging.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old female patient visited our hospital with the complaint of a retroperitoneal mass without symptoms discovered during a medical examination.An abdominal and pelvic computed tomography(CT)revealed a giant hypodense mass that extended from the lower edge of the liver down to the right groin and showed no marked enhancement in the arterial phase of the enhanced CT.On magnetic resonance imaging,the retroperitoneal mass was hyperintense on the T2-weighted image and hypointense on the T1-weighted image.The mass was completely resected and confirmed as a venous hemangioma by pathology.CONCLUSION Venous hemangioma is rare in adults,and an accurate diagnosis before surgery is challenging.Surgery is the curative treatment for venous hemangioma,and the definitive diagnosis relies on pathology.

Diagnostic value of amino acid consumption test on exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

INTRODUCTIONAmino acid consumption test (AACT) has a highsensitivity and specificity in evaluating exocrinepancreatic insufficiency,but its diagnostic valueto exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in Chinese hasnot been well understood.In this study,the oralreagent stimulating pancreatic secretion (O-AACT)was used instead of cerulein(I-AACT) for amidoacid consumption test and the dignostic efficiency ofO-AACT was evaluated and compared with I-AACTon the exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in Chinese.

Cryotherapy and ankle motion in chronic venous disorders

This study compared ankle range of motion (AROM) including dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion and eversion, and venous refill time (VRT) in leg skin inflamed by venous disorders, before and after a new cryotherapy ulcer prevention treatment. Fifty-seven individuals participated in the randomized clinical trial;28 in the experimental group and 29 received usual care only. Results revealed no statistically significant differences between the experimental and usual care groups although AROM measures in the experimental group showed a consistent, non-clinically relevant decrease compared to the usual care group except for dorsiflexion. Within treatment group comparisons of VRT results showed a statistically significant increase in both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion for patients with severe VRT in the experimental group (6.9 ± 6.8;p = 0.002 and 5.8 ± 12.6;p = 0.02, respectively). Cryotherapy did not further restrict already compromised AROM, and in some cases, there were minor improvements.

Acute adrenal insufficiency caused by antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are frequently discussed together and considered two closely related diseases.APS involves multiple organ systems,but APS-related endocrine manifestations are rare.^([1])Among them,adrenal insufficiency (AI) is the first endocrine manifestation of APS.The prompt diagnosis of AI is critical,as this disorder has high morbidity and mortality if left untreated.Here,we report a rare case of acute AI caused by APS secondary to SLE.CASEIn August 2022,a 39-year-old woman without a significant family history of medical diseases presented to our emergency department (ED) for low back pain,nausea,anorexia,fatigue,hypoglycemia,and hypotension.One month prior,she had fatigue,loss of appetite,low back pain,cough with sputum.

Mechanical intestinal obstruction due to isolated diffuse venous malformations in the gastrointestinal tract: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Isolated gastrointestinal venous malformations(GIVMs)are extremely rare congenital developmental abnormalities of the venous vasculature.Because of their asymptomatic nature,the diagnosis is often quite challenging.However,as symptomatic GIVMs have nonspecific clinical manifestations,misdiagnosis is very common.Here,we report a case of isolated diffuse GIVMs inducing mechanical intestinal obstruction.A literature review was also conducted to summarize clinical features,diagnostic points,treatment selections and differential diagnosis in order that doctors may have a comprehensive understanding of this disease.CASE SUMMARY A 50-year-old man presented with recurrent painless gastrointestinal bleeding for two months and failure to pass flatus and defecate with nausea and vomiting for ten days.Digital rectal examination found bright red blood and soft nodular masses 3 cm above the anal verge.Computed tomography showed that part of the descending colon and rectosigmoid colon was thickened with phleboliths in the intestinal wall.Colonoscopy exhibited bluish and reddish multinodular submucosal masses and flat submucosal serpentine vessels.Endoscopic ultrasonography showed anechoic cystic spaces within intestinal wall.The lesions were initially thought to be isolated VMs involving part of the descending colon and rectosigmoid colon.Laparoscopic subtotal proctocolectomy,pullthrough transection and coloanal anastomosis and ileostomy were performed.Histopathology revealed intact mucosa and dilated,thin-walled blood vessels in the submucosa,muscularis,and serosa involving the entire colorectum.The patient recovered with complete symptomatic relief during the 52-mo follow-up period.CONCLUSION The diagnosis of isolated GIVMs is challenging.The information presented here is significant for the diagnosis and management of symptoms.