The objective of this study was to compare different quantitation parameters of venous reflux by duplex scan in different venous disease manifestations. Duplex scan is a new modality to quantify venous reflux. Several studies propose different parameters. In addition, there is controversy about the importance of deep and superficial involvement in different disease manifestations. It is not clear whether there is an increased venous reflux associated with varied clinical stages. Venous conditions were classified in seven stages and their differences for several quantitation variables studied. Most quantitation variables, such as average and peak velocity, average and peak flow, and reflux volume disclosed significantly increased reflux from normal, pain only, and edema group to varicose vein, with or without edema, to lipodermatosclerosis and ulcer groups at every location in the lower extremity. Reflux time was not as consistent as other variables. Totalization of the results of every parameter for the whole extremity points to an increased reflux from pain only to edema and from lipodermatosclerosis to ulcer group. Chronic edema is not usually associated with increased venous reflux. The greater saphenous vein (superficial system) seems to be the main contributor to reflux in all stages of disease. Different quantitation methods of venous reflux are equivalent. Increased deep and superficial reflux and its totalization are associated with a more advanced disease stage. Reflux time may be the least useful variable. Chronic edema is frequently not associated with venous reflux. Greater saphenectomy may be the most useful intervention, even in the presence of deep vein reflux.

Objective: To compare the results obtained by duplex ultrasound imaging and ascending and descending phlebography in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Design: Prospective comparison between venography and duplex ultrasound imaging in a single patient group with chronic venous insufficiency. Setting: Private vascular clinic in Puerto Rico. Patients: Twenty-one patients presenting with clinical evidence of venous disease of the lower limb. Main outcome measures: Presence of valvular incompetence in deep and superficial veins as indicated by duplex ultrasound imaging and ascending and descending phlebography. Results: Duplex ultrasound imaging showed twice as many patients with popliteal vein incompetence (eight veins compared with four veins) and twice as many incompetent long saphenous veins (14 detected by duplex, eight detected by venography). In the proximal venous system, 13 common femoral veins were thought incompetent on venography, but only seven on duplex scanning; in the superficial femoral vein, 11 were incompetent on venography and three on duplex scanning. Conclusion: Duplex ultrasound scanning provides greater sensitivity for detection of valvular incompetence in distal veins compared with venography. Descending phlebography is poor in demonstrating distal venous valvular incompetence.