Chronic Deep Venous Obstruction

Chronic deep venous obstruction (CVO) is a condition where there is a partial or complete blockage of the deep veins in the legs. This blockage disrupts the normal flow of blood back to the heart, leading to a buildup of blood in the legs.

Causes

CVO can develop from several causes, including:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): When a blood clot forms in a deep vein, it can damage the vein wall and lead to scarring. This scarring can narrow the vein and cause obstruction (Click here to read more on Deep Vein Thrombosis)
May-Thurner syndrome: This condition occurs when the iliac artery compresses the iliac vein in the pelvis (Click here to read more on May Thurner Syndrome)
Trauma: Injury to the legs can damage the veins and cause obstruction.
Tumor: Tumors can grow on or near the veins and compress them.
Congenital conditions: Some people are born with narrowed or blocked veins.

Symptoms

The symptoms of CVO can vary depending on the severity of the blockage. Common symptoms include:

Leg pain, especially after standing or sitting for long periods
Leg swelling
Skin discoloration, such as darkening or redness
Lipodermatosclerosis: This is a hardening and thickening of the skin and underlying tissue.
Leg ulcers: These are open sores that can develop on the legs due to poor circulation.

Diagnosis

CVO is diagnosed using a combination of tests, including:

Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of the veins and check for blockages.
Venography: This is an X-ray of the veins that is performed after injecting a contrast dye into the bloodstream.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This scan can create detailed images of the veins and surrounding tissues.

Treatment

There is no cure for CVO, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and prevent complications. These treatments include:

Compression stockings: These stockings apply pressure to the legs to help improve blood flow.
Elevation: Elevating the legs above the heart can help reduce swelling.
Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing can all help improve circulation.
Medications: Medications such as blood thinners can help prevent blood clots from forming.
Angioplasty and stenting: In some cases, a procedure called angioplasty and stenting may be used to open up a blocked vein. During this procedure, a balloon is inserted into the vein to widen it, and a stent may be placed to keep the vein open (Click here to read more on Angioplasty/ stenting)
Bypass surgery: In severe cases, bypass surgery may be necessary to create a new channel for blood to flow around the blockage.

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Chronic Deep Venous Obstruction