Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) (synonyms: Chronic venous insufficiency; chronic venous insufficiency (CVI); chronic venous insufficiency; chronic venous insufficiency of the leg; chronic venous peripheral insufficiency; chronic venous stasis syndrome; insufficiency of the venae perforantes; guiding vein insufficiency; perforant insufficiency; venous DBS [circulatory disorder]; venous circulatory disorder; ICD-10-GM I87. 2: Venous insufficiency (chronic) (peripheral)) is defined as hypertension (high pressure) in the venous system leading to changes in the veins and skin. CVI results in venous outflow obstruction as well as microcirculatory disturbances and trophic changes in the affected area (lower legs and feet).
Sex ratio: males to females is 1: 10.
Frequency peak: The maximum incidence of chronic venous insufficiency is between the ages of 40 and 50 for women and between the ages of 70 and 80 for men.
The prevalence (disease incidence) is 3-5% in western industrialized countries.
Course and prognosis: Chronic venous insufficiency is caused by various factors, the treatment of which is one of the most important. Ulcerations may occur in the course of CVI. The prevalence of this is 5%. In the worst case, ulcus cruris (“open leg“) can occur (prevalence: 1 %). With consistent therapy – compression treatment, general measures, varicose vein therapy (varicose vein treatment), careful wound treatment – the prognosis is favorable.
