CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY, THE MOST FREQUENT CAUSE OF EDEMA IN PATIENTS WITHOUT OBVIOUS PATHOLOGY

Abstract

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common condition that affects the venous system of the lower extremities and can present with symptoms such as heaviness in the legs, swelling, and skin changes. This study focuses on exploring the association between CVI and edema in patients without other underlying diseases. The introduction contextualizes the clinical relevance of edema as a symptom of CVI and presents the objectives of the study. Objectives include identifying and analyzing the association between CVI and edema, understanding the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and exploring the clinical implications of this association. To achieve these objectives, a comprehensive literature review was carried out using scientific databases, with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to select relevant studies.  A bibliographic survey was carried out in various scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, studies published in the last five years (2019-2024) were selected that specifically addressed the relationship between chronic venous insufficiency and edema in patients without obvious pathology. The findings of the review consistently show an association between the presence of CVI and an increased risk of developing lower extremity edema. Underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, such as valve dysfunction, venous hypertension, and chronic inflammation, are identified as contributing to the development of edema in patients with CVI. This study provides a comprehensive view of the association between CVI and edema, highlighting its clinical importance and underscoring the need for adequate evaluation and effective management of this condition to improve the quality of life of affected patients.