Anatomical variation of anterior accessory great saphenous vein: a case report

Abstract

An anterior accessory great saphenous vein (AAGSV) is a major cause of varicose disease recurrence and shares the saphenofemoral junction in 10% of patients where it is a primary reflux pattern. Reflux in AAGSV presents the same symptoms and severity as great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux with a higher incidence of superficial thrombophlebitis. The case report is a 37-year-old male cadaver with bilateral anterior accessory great saphenous veins (AAGSV), originating from the marginal veins anterior to the GSV, and terminated by joining the GSV at the sapheno-femoral junction. The case was documented during a routine gross dissection at the anatomy laboratory at the University of Rwanda. The case emphasizes the need for Vascular radiologists and surgeons to pay proper attention during saphenofemoral junction and saphenopopliteal junction ultrasound to identify the AAGSV when targeting the treatment of varicose diseases.