Value of color Doppler imaging in the diagnosis and location of lower extremity perforating venous insufficiency

Objective To explore the value of color Doppler image in the dagnosis and location of lower extremity perforating venous insufficiency. Methods The clinical ultrasound features of 123 cases (155 limbs) with lower extremity varicose superficial veins were retrospectively analyzed and compared with the results of operation.All the cases had a common examination before operation. Results In 123 cases (155 limbs),193 abnormal perforating veins were found by CDFI, including 15 venous dilatation,170 valves insufficiency and 8 thrombosis.Two hundred and one perforating veins were ligated in the operation,the accordance rate of CDFI in diagnosis and location was 96 %. The dilated veins showed anechoic ductus vertically or obliquely through deep fascia and muscularis in sonograms, they were between deep and superficial veins and connected them. CDFI displayed blue blood flow signals from superfical to deep veins,or red regurgitated signals from deep to superficial veins in press-release test.No blood flow signal was observed when there was thrombosis. Conclusion CDFI is important as the first choice in correct diagnosis and location of perforating vein valve insufficiency.