Cutaneous thermal injury after endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein.
Herein a case of cutaneous thermal injury in the leg of a patient who underwent endovenous laser (EVL) ablation of an incompetent great saphenous vein (GSV) is reported. Follow-up ultrasonography (US) of the site of skin burn showed that the burn was directly over thrombosed superficial tributaries originating from the GSV, but medial to the treated GSV. At the level of skin burn, the thrombosed GSV was 22 mm deep, but the tributaries were 1 mm deep. In addition, US showed echogenic fat surrounding and conforming to the superficial thrombosed tributaries. Based on the clinical scenario and follow-up US findings, it was concluded that the cutaneous thermal injury resulted from heated blood traveling from the 22-mm-deep GSV to the superficial tributaries directly beneath the site of skin burn.
Section of Interventional Radiology, Decatur Memorial Hospital, 2300 North Edward Street, Decatur, Illinois 62526, USA. msichlau@hotmail.com
Michael J
MJ
Sichlau
Robert K
RK
Ryu
D001768:Blister / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*