Chronic venous disorders

Chronic venous disorders are one of the most common ailments affecting mankind in the world today (Callam 1994). In the Netherlands, government authorities do not record the instance of venous disorders, with the exception of patients admitted to hospitals for venous surgery or for complications such as venous ulceration. In other countries the situation is similar, meaning that exact numerical data are not available. 

Shape memory compression system for management of chronic venous disorders... 

Ziaja D, et al. Compliance with compression stockings in patients with chronic venous disorders. Phlebology 2011 26(8) 353—60. 

Compared with brain ischemia spinal cord strokes are caused by more diverse etiologies. Up-to-now there is no satisfactory and accepted classification of spinal infarcts. Etiologies include circulatory arterial and venous disorders. From a clinical and pathoanatomical point of view it seems reasonable to differentiate between acute ischemic myelomalacia and subacute to chronic vascular myelopathy (Table 17.1). In most cases MRI enables the differentiation of these two main etiologies. A deficient spinal arterial blood flow generally has various causes, ranging from the occlusion of intercostal or lumbar arteries to affection of the intrinsic arteries of the spinal cord. ... 

In contrast to other chronic conditions, patients and physicians alike often trivialize the presence and severity of venous disorders (Krijnen et al. 1997a). This can be attributed to the fact that varicose veins are common and that progression takes place slowly. Many workers with venous disorders, even with progressed forms, never consult a doctor. Literature shows evidence that venous disorders lead to incapacity to work in approximately 2% of the occupational population (Fischer et al. 1980 Callam 1994 Krijnen et al. 1997a). Persons with a standing position at work are especially at risk. 

Chronic venous insufficiency is characterized by chronic reflux disorder of blood from the peripheral to the central vein, with subsequent venous hypertension and resulting changes in the skin. Three stages can be used in classification of CVI, characterized as follows. 

Thus, acute, subacute, or chronic impairment of spinal blood supply can result from a deficient arterial supply and from venous circulatory problems (Mull and Thron 2004). Spinal vascular malformations like spinal dural arteriovenous (AV) fistulas and AV malformations (AVM) of the perimedullary fistula type are the typical disorders associated with venous congestion of the spinal cord. On the other hand, AVM of the glomerular type are seldom combined with a venous outflow disorder. 

Hypertension is defined as a sustained diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mm Hg accompanied by an elevated systolic blood pressure (>140 mm Hg). Hypertension results from increased peripheral vascular smooth muscle tone, which leads to increased arteriolar resistance and reduced capacitance of the venous system. Elevated blood pressure is an extremely common disorder, affecting approximately 15% of the population of the United States (60 million people). Although many of these individuals have no symptoms, chronic hypertension—either systolic or diastolic—can lead to congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, renal damage, and cerebrovascular accidents. The incidence of morbidity and mortality significantly decreases when hypertension is diagnosed early and is properly treated. 

There are a number of acute, subacute and chronic inflammatory vasculitic disorders of the arterial or venous wall (Box 6.1). These disorders may be associated with ischemic... 

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