Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps:

  • General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further:
    • Inspection (viewing) of the skin (lower legs and feet).
      • Edema (swelling) of the legs
      • Corona phlebectatica – appearance of dark blue skin veins at the edge of the foot.
      • Atrophie blanche – usually painful depigmentation of the skin in the area of the lower leg.
      • Eczematization – often itchy stasis eczema.
      • Reddish brown hyperpigmentation due to local hemosiderosis – increased iron deposition in the ankle/lower leg area.
      • Hyperkeratosis – excessive horn formation of the skin.
      • Lipodermatosclerosis – proliferation of connective tissue and reduction of the subcutaneous fat layer, especially in the area of the ankle.
      • Cyanotic skin – purple to bluish discoloration of the skin.
      • Ulcus cruris venosum (ulcus cruris (“open leg“), which occurred as a result of advanced venous disease) or scar as a secondary condition.
  • Health check