Review on Chronic Venous Disease and Post-thrombotic Syndrome

Henry I. Bussey, Pharm.D., FCCP, FAHA
August, 2006

Reference: Bergan JJ, Schmid-Schonbein GW, Smith PD, Nicolaides AN, Boisseau MR, Eklof B. Chronic Venous Disease. N Engl J Med. 2006 Aug 3;355(5):488-98.

This article provides a thorough review of the pathophysiology of chronic venous insufficiency including discussions of changes in venous pressure, the role of valves in the veins, and the role that inflammation is thought to play in the progression of this terrible condition. The review also includes nice diagrams and color illustrations that should be useful in group discussions of this condition. Some management issues are discussed, but the emphasis is clearly on epidemiology and pathophysiology.