Post-phlebitic syndrome-a functional assessment.

Abstract

Foot volumetry is a simple, non-invasive technique for functional assessment of the venous system of the lower limb. The results of foot volumetry and venous pressure measurements were compared in 28 patients who were allocated to one of three groups--normal, uncomplicated superficial venous incompetence and deep venous incompetence--on the basis of clinical examination and ascending phlebography. Volumetry was found to differentiate more accurately between the three groups. Volumetry was also used in 113 patients who had suffered from phlebographically proved deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Seventy-seven per cent of 34 patients who sustained a major DVT and 16 per cent of 79 patients with calf vein thrombosis had evidence of severe haemodynamic impairment equivalent to that seen in the established post-phlebitic syndrome. The clinical significance of these findings is discussed.