Veins and Lymphatics · Published 2026-03-16 · DOI 10.4081/vl.2026.14891
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a highly prevalent condition, often underdiagnosed in its early stages, with a significant impact on quality of life and healthcare costs. Early identification of the disease is crucial in the primary care setting to reduce future complications and disease progression. This study proposes a primary care-based screening model that identifies patients in general practitioners’ offices, followed by targeted duplex ultrasound examination. The study involved 224 patients who underwent a questionnaire and venous duplex ultrasound examination of the lower limbs. Clinical, behavioral, disease perception, and ultrasound data were analyzed. Statistical analysis included correlation tests and non-parametric comparisons. Age, body mass index, symptoms, and ultrasound parameters were significantly associated with the clinical severity of CVI. Duplex ultrasound confirmed anatomical alterations consistent with clinical severity. A strong correlation was observed between symptoms, disease perception, and motivation for treatment, as well as between the level of health information and adherence to therapeutic pathways. The proposed two-step screening model appears useful for risk stratification in the primary care setting. Further studies are needed to validate this approach.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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