engleski

Differential diagnosis of chronic leg ulcers

Background: Chronic venous insufficiency is one of the prices man pays for his upright posture. The venous system of the legs becomes inefficient, because of either varicose veins or thrombotic disease (blood clots). Leg ulcers are non-healing wounds on the distal aspects of the leg, and in 2/3 of the cases caused by venous disease but occasionally associated with arterial problems or vessel inflammation (vasculitis). Objective: To point out various dermatoses in patients with chronic leg ulcers. Study design: Literature data and personal procedures in differential diagnose of chronic leg ulcer. Setting: Chronic leg ulcers patients in Phlebology Clinic of University Dermatology Department in Zagreb. Methods: Search for cause of the leg ulcers through medical history, physical examination and laboratory investigations. Results: Own modification of general approach to differential diagnosis of chronic leg ulcer. Conclusion: Leg ulcers based on CVI occur in 1% of the population in developed countries and are found in 5% of those 80 years of age. The correct diagnosis of the cause of leg ulceration is a permanent importance because 20% are not venous origin.

CEAP clasiffication; chronic leg ulcers; chronic venous insufficiency; differential diagnosis

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