title: [Preoperative imaging of varicose veins of the lower extremities. Classical pattern of insufficiency and its clinical use].
abstract: Venous varicose are one of the most common diseases in industrial countries today. New surgical strategies, tailored to a patient's specific pattern of venous incompetence require more detailed preoperative imaging.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this review of current literature we analyzed the value of ascending venography, color coded duplex sonography and descending venography for preoperative planning of varicose surgery. On the other hand, we describe variant anatomy of the superficial venous system like the different levels of escape points and perforating veins.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ascending venography and color coded duplex sonography are both excellent modalities for detection of reflux in the saphenofemoral and saphenopopliteal junction. The results of current literature indicate, that ascending venography is superior to color coded duplex sonography in the detection of incompetent perforators.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ascending venography and color coded duplex sonography provide improved information, that may be crucial for surgical planning. The high heterogeneity and broad distribution of valvular incompetence confirms the importance of detailed preoperative imaging.
authors.affiliation: Universitätsklinik für Radiodiagnostik Wien, Abteilung für konservative Fächer.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zontsich
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Turetschek
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baldt
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D010690:Phlebography; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*