Our results show a high prevalence of chronic venous disorders of the lower limbs in the general population of France, with no significant geographic variations. They also provide interesting insights regarding the association of varicose veins, skin trophic changes, and venous symptoms.

Summary:Background: Paroxysmal fi nger haematoma (PFH) is an under-recognised vascular acrosyndrome with no epidemiological description to date. The aim of this work was to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors and clinical correlates of PFH in a population-based sample of subjects and to describe their semiological characteristics. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study of random samples of the general population in three geographic areas of France involved 802 subjects, 548 women and 254 men, aged 18 to 84 years. The diagnosis of PFH was made from a report by the subject of a history of recurrent haematoma in the fi ngers with a sudden, painful and unexpected occurrence. Diagnosis of associated conditions and evaluation of lifestyle variables were obtained through standardised medical interview and examination. Results: A history of PFH was detected in 71 subjects, with a prevalence of 1.2 % in men and 12.4 % in women; there was no signifi cant regional variation. Onset before 40 years of age was rare. Besides female sex and age, no socio-economical nor lifestyle risk factors were detected. PFH was associated with Raynaud phenomenon and a history of chilblains, but no link with any health threatening disease was found. In addition to the sudden onset of pain and hematoma, the main clinical features were a frequent digital swelling during the painful attack, and their predominant location on the volar side of the fi rst and second phalanges of the third or second fi ngers of the dominant hand. Conclusions: PFH is a benign phenomenon, frequently found in middle-aged women, to be classifi ed among the vascular acrosyndromes. Patients seeking medical evaluation for this disorder should be reassured.

This study confirms a substantial prevalence of ulnar artery occlusions in the general population, mostly in middle-aged and elderly men, which appears to be principally related to an occupational exposure to repeated occupational palmar trauma. Although there is a significant association with Raynaud phenomenon, most often the consequences of this occlusion remain subclinical.

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