Volume 48, Issue 3 September 2024 JVU 483-169 | Veins in the Lateral Fascial Compartment of the Calf-Volume 48, Issue 3 September 2024 JVU 483-169 | Veins in the Lateral Fascial Compartment of the Calf

Volume 48, Issue 3 September 2024 JVU 483-169 | Veins in the Lateral Fascial Compartment of the Calf

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The study published in the Journal for Vascular Ultrasound documents a rare form of non-saphenous reflux (NSR) in the lateral calf's interfascial vein, believed to be linked with the superficial peroneal nerve. Conducted by a team from Western Sydney Vascular and the University of Sydney, the research spans from 2008 to 2022, identifying 20 legs from 19 patients with interfascial veins in the lateral calf compartment using duplex ultrasound.<br /><br />The participants ranged in age from 38 to 85 years old, with a mix of ethnicities and medical histories. Of the 6 patients who participated in the follow-up questionnaire, 2 reported lateral calf pain, and another 2 experienced calf numbness and foot drop. The ultrasound evaluation showed vein diameters between 1.1 and 4.0 mm, and the distance between the superficial peroneal nerve vein and the small saphenous vein (SSV) averaged 36.3 mm.<br /><br />The authors hypothesized that the interfascial vein corresponds to the superficial peroneal nerve vein due to its anatomical proximity and symptoms that align with sciatic nerve varices. Despite these findings, none of the patients were diagnosed with sciatica, suggesting the interface between venous and nerve issues.<br /><br />Limitations include the small sample size, lack of alternative imaging modalities, and the uncertainty of treatment outcomes for the interfascial vein. Nonetheless, the study advances the understanding of NSR and underscores the importance of meticulous ultrasound examination in identifying anatomical variations, which can improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for venous insufficiency affecting the lower limbs. The authors recommend sclerotherapy to treat such interfascial veins, minimizing the risk of nerve injury.

Keywords

non-saphenous reflux

interfascial vein

superficial peroneal nerve

duplex ultrasound

venous insufficiency

Western Sydney Vascular

University of Sydney

sclerotherapy

lower limbs

vascular ultrasound