Determination of cutoff diameter of great saphenous vein as indicative of saphenofemoral junction incompetence in cases of varicose veins

Abstract

Introduction: Saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) incompetence is the most commonly attributed etiological factor in varicose veins of lower limbs with a consequent increase in the caliber of the great saphenous vein (GSV). This study aimed to assess GSV diameter to determine its cutoff diameter value for predicting reflux at the SFJ, in cases of varicose veins. Methods: This hospital-based prospective study was conducted on 156 patients (245 diseased limbs) over a period of 2 years, involving patients referred from the outpatient department for evaluation of varicose veins or those being evaluated as a part of preoperative assessment. Results: The cutoff value of GSV diameter to detect SFJ incompetence was determined at 5.4 mm with best sensitivity of 74.3%, specificity of 78.5%, and accuracy of 75.1%. Conclusion: GSV diameter assessment is of immense clinical importance as it can help the treating physician to filter out the false-negative cases solely being diagnosed based on reflux at SFJ, especially those with an absence of obvious clinical signs.

Keywords

• great saphenous vein
• saphenofemoral junction
• varicose veins