Sonographic Evaluation of Frozen Venous Valves

Abstract

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) not only has the potential to be fatal from pulmonary embolism formation but can also have damaging effects to the vein itself. DVT can damage the walls and valves of the associated vein. Damage to the venous valves can result in their becoming "frozen" or immobile, and thereby enabling venous reflux. 1 With advances in sonography, visualizing the valve leaflets and their functional status has become a reality. Highfrequency transducers and increased image resolution allow sonographers to locate and isolate damaged valves. The leaflets appear as echogenic lines extending from the vessel wall. Real-time observation and color Doppler imaging of the valves From UAMS, Deep vein thrombosis can damage venous valves, which results in their becoming adherent to the vessel wall. This condition is referred to as a "stuck" or "frozen" venous valve that is incompetent and allows venous reflux to occur. Sonographers using high-frequency, real-time sonography are becoming more successful at imaging these valves and evaluating their functionality. Color Doppler and spectral analysis are also employed to gain further insight into the severity of reflux flow in the affected vessel. This case study documents the presence of frozen venous valves bilaterally through the use of a sonographic examination. Accurate diagnosis of frozen venous valves can decrease the damaging effects of chronic venous insufficiency by promoting timely treatment. Surgical advancements have allowed repair of these nonfunctioning valves, which increases healing of symptoms related to postthrombotic syndrome.