Revision of the venous clinical severity score: Venous outcomes consensus statement: Special communication of the American Venous Forum Ad Hoc Outcomes Working Group

Abstract

In response to the need for a disease severity measurement, the American Venous Forum committee on outcomes assessment developed the Venous Severity Scoring system in 2000. There are three components of this scoring system, the Venous Disability Score, the Venous Segmental Disease Score, and the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS). The VCSS was developed from elements of the CEAP classification (clinical grade, etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology), which is the worldwide standard for describing the clinical features of chronic venous disease. However, as a descriptive instrument, the CEAP classification responds poorly to change. The VCSS was subsequently developed as an evaluative instrument that would be responsive to changes in disease severity over time and in response to treatment. Based on initial experiences with the VCSS, an international ad hoc working group of the American Venous Forum was charged with updating the instrument. This revision of the VCSS is focused on clarifying ambiguities, updating terminology, and simplifying application. The specific language of proven quality-of-life instruments was used to better address the issues of patients at the lower end of the venous disease spectrum. Periodic review and revision are necessary for generating more universal applicability and for comparing treatment outcomes in a meaningful way.

The relationship between increased body mass index and primary venous disease severity and concomitant deep primary venous reflux

“…10,11 The scores were calculated and registered at the time of presentation and not calculated retrospectively. Disease duration and severity were obtained from patient history and, from those data, it appeared that elevated BMIs preceded the patients' chronic venous insufficiency, particularly the more severe clinical characteristics such as higher C in the CEAP classification.…”

Clinical and duplex ultrasound evaluation of lower extremities varicose veins – a practical guideline

“…They have to be distinguished from reticular veins (1-3 mm in diameter) and telangiectasia (< 1 mm in diameter), which are respectively dilated subdermal and intradermal veins [1]. Lower extremities varicose veins (LEVV) are one of the possible manifestations of chronic venous disorder, which includes the full spectrum of morphological and functional abnormalities of the venous system [2].…”

Pediatric post-thrombotic syndrome in children: Toward the development of a new diagnostic and evaluative measurement tool

“…Observable veins were measured using the Venous Clinical Severity Score, specifically with the item varicose veins, which also includes corona phlebectatica (45), and the Vein Prominence Scale (46). Additional signs related to observable veins were telangiectasias (21) and reticular veins (21).…”