IngentaConnect The T Vein of the Leg

Authors: Zamboni, P.¹; De Palma, M.¹; Carandina, S.¹; Fogato, L.¹; Fortini, P.¹; Legnaro, A.¹; Mazza, P.¹; Ricci, S.¹

Source: Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 30, Number 5, May 2004 , pp. 750-753(4)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

Abstract:

Background.

We frequently observe a tributary of the saphenous vein with the origin in the saphenous compartment of the medial aspect of the upper third of the leg. It runs transversally in the interfascial compartment toward the lateral aspect of the leg. Constantly it feeds by reflux varicose veins clinically visible in the paratibial region and/or in the lateral aspect of the leg. For the peculiarity of its anatomical shape as well as duplex appearance, we defined it as the “T” vein. Objectives.

To assess how frequently the “T” vein of the leg is involved in varicose networks. Methods.

A total of 218 consecutive patients affected by primary varicose veins have been evaluated by the means of duplex scanning. We assessed both the presence of the above-mentioned tributary and the frequency of its hemodynamic involvement in the varicose network. Results.

In 15 of 218 cases (7%) we demonstrated the above-mentioned tributary with an interfascial length ranging between 5 and 12 cm involved in varicose networks. Conclusions.

The anterior tributary of the saphenous vein of the anterolateral aspect of the leg is a neglected clinical entity, whose existence is important to know for the treatment of varicose veins of the lateral aspect of the leg.

P. ZAMBONI, MD, M. DE PALMA, MD, S. CARANDINA, MD, L. FOGATO, MD, P. FORTINI, MD, A. LEGNARO, MD, P. MAZZA, MD, AND S. RICCI, MD HAVE INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30206.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Surgery, University of Ferrara-Day Surgery Unit, Master in Compression Therapy and Wound Healing, St. Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy

The “T” Vein of the Leg