venous insufficiency and early stasis dermatitis

The early stages off venous eczema, more accurately termed stasis dermatitis. This is a venous disorder presenting as a dermatological entity. Although many physicians will prescribe steroids or antibiotics, what the patient really needs is a venous insufficiency ultrasound to determine the underlying source of their venous hypertension. The most likely treatment will be endovenous closure of the saphenous vein(s), either with heat (laser or radio Frequency) or the latest technology of medical adhesive closure with Venaseal. Although unlikely (15% chance) they may also have an obstructed pelvic vein causing the venous blood to back up in the legs. This most commonly affects the left common iliac Vein (May Thurner syndrome) and thus usually causes unilateral left lower limb swelling with near normal appearing rt leg, as noted in a post on this forum. Pelvic vein blockages can be treated with stents bases on small catheter based ultrasound exams from with in the actual veins, Intravascular ultrasound(IVUS). For more information go to weknowveins.com or 239-694-8346.

Joseph Magnant MD FACS RPVI
Fort Myers, FL.