Echo-Doppler evaluation of recent onset chronic venous insufficiency in elderly patients: does the heart have a role?

The onset in elderly subjects of clinical signs of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), without a previous history of venous disease of the lower limbs, raises questions about the etiology. In our study we evaluated the possible causes investigating the venous system of the lower limbs and right heart function in elderly subjects with signs of CVI. The alterations found were on the reduction of TAPSE, a significantly higher body mass index and a reduced ability to walk compared to the control group. The differences described could explain edema and skin changes of recent onset. If it is CVI functional type or of congestive heart failure in the preclinical stage will be clarified only by adequate follow-up.