Long-segment hypoplasia of great saphenous vein with posterior accessory saphenous vein as a connecting vein: a case report

Abstract

Aplasia or hypoplasia of great saphenous vein (GSV) is relatively common. Most of them are segmental and localized around the knee. They rarely extend to the inguinal area, yet in case of this, the anterior accessory saphenous vein (AASV) is the most common connecting vein. We report a case of a 22-year-old male who underwent surgery for pain and heaviness of the right calf. He had the hypoplasia of right GSV extended from below the popliteal crease to near the saphenofemoral junction with posterior ASV (PASV) as a connecting vein. Significant reflux was observed in PASV and GSV which are proximal to PASV. High ligation and stripping was performed, and symptoms improved after surgery. In this report, the author discussed a rare case of long-segment hypoplasia of GSV with PASV as a connecting vein.

Long Segment Aplasia of the Great Saphenous Vein Associated with Short Saphenous Vein Connection: A Case Report

“…Reports of hypoplastic/aplastic portions of the GSV describe short segments limited around the knee. It is rare, however, to have a long segment of hypoplasia/ aplasia of the GSV extending from the inguinal region all the way to ankle [1]. In our case, a long segment of aplasia of the GSV was observed from the inguinal region to mid-calf with connection to the SSV (Figure 4).…”

“…Originating at the medial malleolus, the GSV forms the longest vein in the human body and main superficial venous drainage of the lower limb [1,2]. It runs…”

“…Most of the cases reported describe a localised segment of the GSV hypoplasia or aplasia, limited to the area around the knee [1,3]. The purpose of this case report is to describe the unusual occurrence of a long segment of GSV aplasia extending from the upper thigh, 3 cm distal to the sapheno-femoral junction (SFJ) and ending few cm short of the ankle by communicating with the short saphenous Vein (SSV).…”

“…Ultrasound study with duplex was performed on symptomatic lower limb from proximal to distal starting at the right SFJ. Three cm distal to the right SFJ, the right GSV calibre became aplastic, and continued to be so with an incidence reported to be 10-30% in the general population, majority of which is unilateral [1,3].…”

“…Hypoplasia/aplasia of the venous system is a common variant, with venous system of the lower limbs being the most common site [1]. Hypoplasia/aplasia of the great saphenous vein (GSV) is fairly common, tributaries [6].…”