Relationship between Dilation of the Soleal Vein and Lower Extremity Venous Incompetence or Superficial Venous Diameter

Abstract

Dilation of soleal vein (SV) is commonly observed in vascular ultrasound among patients with varicose veins of unknown cause. We focused on lower extremity venous incompetence and superficial venous diameter as candidates for factors related to SV dilation. A total of 25 patients with varicose veins underwent vascular ultrasound of their lower extremities while standing. Popliteal vein (Pop.V) competency (retrograde flow duration; <0.5, 0.5 to 1.0, 1.0 s or longer), and great and small saphenous vein (GSV and SSV) competencies (retrograde flow duration; <0.5, 0.5 s or longer) were verified, and maximum diameter in SV and average diameter in GSV and SSV were determined. Dilation of SV (>10 mm in maximum diameter, 13 of 50 limbs, 26%) was significantly related to Pop.V (p=0.002), but not to GSV and SSV competences. The diameter of SV was larger in limbs with intermediate than those with short retrograde flow duration in Pop.V (11.1±0.7 vs. 8.0±0.3 mm, p<0.001). The diameter of GSV was larger in limbs with SV dilation (p=0.014). Dilation of SV in patients with varicose veins was related to Pop.V competence and GSV diameter.