Duplex ultrasound in the assessment of lower extremity venous insufficiency

Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine November 2010 13 (4) Introduction The purpose of this paper is to provide a focused overview of the key concepts in the assessment of lower limb chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) with an emphasis on specific techniques which can assist the sonographer or sonologist in achieving an accurate and time-efficient examination. In the context of this paper, CVI will pertain to lower extremity superficial and/or deep venous incompetence of any degree leading to the classic clinical signs of venous disease including: varicose veins, peripheral swelling and skin changes. This paper is by no means a comprehensive review of all issues surrounding CVI and duplex scanning. Interested readers are directed to the reference section for a selection of landmark papers and further reading.