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This S2k guideline was developed on the initiative and under the German Society of Phlebology and Lymphology (DGPL) leadership. The guideline aims to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of lipedema. It is intended to bring together the different approaches of the respective professional groups in a consensus-based manner and thus offer a basic concept for the best possible treatment of patients with lipedema. Sixty recommendations were formulated and agreed on in diagnostics, conservative and surgical treatment options, psychosocial factors and self-management. The guideline is intended to reflect the current scientific knowledge and be widely used for diagnosis and treatment recommendations for patients with lipedema. In particular, the guideline comments on diagnostic criteria, differential diagnoses, and coinciding clinical pictures, their influence on diagnosis and treatment, sensible treatment measures, and self-management options. The lipedema guideline summarizes the current national and international evidence and the German expert consensus and derives recommendations for the best treatment for patients with lipedema. The recommendations in the guideline are intended as an orientation aid in the sense of action and decision-making corridors from which deviations are possible in justified cases.

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OBJECTIVES: External valvuloplasty (eVP) is a reconstructive surgical method to repair the function of the terminal and preterminal valves. We evaluated the 6-month outcomes of eVP regarding the diameter of the great saphenous vein (GSV). METHODS: Patients from five vein centres were included in this observational study. Follow-up involved detailed duplex sonography of the GSV. The venous clinical severity score (VCSS) and the C class of the clinical, aetiologic, anatomic and pathophysiologic (CEAP) classification were recorded. RESULTS: We enrolled 210 patients, with a follow-up rate of 58%; eVP was sufficient in 95.24% of the patients. The GSV diameters decreased significantly from 4.4 mm (standard deviation (SD): 1.39) to 3.9 (SD: 1.12), 4 cm distal to the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ); from 3.7 mm (SD: 1.10) to 3.5 mm (SD: 1.02) at the mid-thigh; from 3.6 mm (SD: 1.14) to 3.3 mm (SD: 0.94) at the knee and from 3.1 mm (SD: 0.99) to 2.9 mm (SD: 0.78) at the mid-calf. VCSS decreased significantly from 4.76 (SD: 2.13) preoperatively to 1.77 (SD: 1.57) 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: GSV function can be restored by eVP; diameters over the total length of the GSV decreased significantly.

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Objective. Infrared thermography has the potential to complement the classification of chronic venous diseases (CVD), but lacks sophisticated insights on the association between recorded skin temperatures and the severity of CVD. This research aims to identify temperature patterns in the lower legs of patients that are distinct in specific forms of CVD, including florid ulcers.Approach. Infrared images were acquired in a clinical trial with 36 patients and segmented using a region selection algorithm. The regions were analyzed with respect to seven predefined features. The most prominent thermal features were translated into rules to classify CVD.Main results. Patients with mild forms of CVD show local increases in skin temperature by more than 1.5 °C. These regions were 2.0 °C warmer when CVD is more severe. Temperature variations of on average 0.4 °C occurred within venous leg ulcers. Furthermore, these wounds were 1.1 °C-6.3 °C colder than periwound skin.Significance. Temperature patterns characterized by differences in temperature that occur within a few centimeters or millimeters are distinct to specific stages of CVD. These patterns are present in the locations of varicose veins and tissue damages.Significance. The findings increase the body of knowledge on the potential for the early detection of CVD using infrared thermography. Applying the presented algorithms and rules, infrared thermography may become a complementary tool for the objective classification of CVD.

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OBJECTIVES: Advanced phlegmasia cerulea dolens can be a hazardous complication of a deep vein thrombosis and rapid recanalization of the deep venous system is the most important factor. METHOD: We describe the outcome of 17 patients with critical limb ischemia due to an advanced phlegmasia cerulea dolens. Venous thrombectomy was performed by a standardized operating procedure. RESULTS: Venous recanalization was successful in all patients. An additional fasciotomy was not necessary. There were five patients with an underlying malignancy and eight patients with a simultaneous pulmonary embolism. We had one amputation of a forefoot and one death within 30 days representing a 30-day mortality and an amputation rate of 6%. CONCLUSIONS: Early recanalization and recovery of the venous outflow is mandatory for success. A multimodal therapeutic approach of high urgency surgical thrombectomy in combination with endovenous strategies could be a successful treatment option for advanced phlegmasia cerulea dolens.

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Background: Varicosis of the great saphenous vein (GSV) is a common disease. Most of the therapeutic concepts attempt to remove or destroy the truncal vein. However, the absence of the GSV could be harmful for further treatments of artherosclerotic disease as the GSV is often used as bypass graft in lower extremity or coronary artery revascularisations. External valvuloplasty (EV) is one of the vein-sparing treatment options. The aim of this clinical study was to describe the outcome, safety and complications of this procedure in a prospective multicentre trial. Patients and methods: The function of the terminal and preterminal valve was restored by external valvuloplasty. Furthermore, multiple phlebectomies of tributaries were performed. Patients were reinvestigated six weeks after surgery. Primary endpoint was the function of the external valvuloplasty measured by diameter of the GSV and the prevalence of reflux in the GSV. The eligibility of the vein as a potential bypass graft was noticed. CEAP class and VCSS scores were analysed. Results: A total of 359 patients were included in the study. After six weeks 297 patients could be reinvestigated. The function of the external valvuloplasty was sufficient in 284 patients (95.6%). Treatment failed in 8 patients (2.6%) due to an occlusion or junctional reflux despite valvuloplasty. The GSV was estimated as suitable as a bypass graft in 261 patients (87.8%). Reflux at the saphenofemoral junction was significantly reduced after treatment and the diameter of the GSV near the saphenofemoral junction significantly decreased from 4.4 mm to 3.8 mm (p < 0.05). The VCSS was significantly reduced from 4.6 preoperatively to 2.6 postoperatively. Conclusions: External repair of the great saphenous vein can reduce venous symptoms and may preserve the great saphenous vein as a bypass graft. Nevertheless, this treatment option is only suitable for a limited number of patients.

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INTRODUCTION: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a frequent burden and a post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) can be a serious long-term consequence. Iliofemoral DVT should be associated with severe forms of PTS. Therefore an early thrombus removal has been recommended in specific conditions. The aim of this study was to find out both, the long-term results after surgical thrombectomy of iliofemoral DVT in respect of the development of PTS as well as the venous hemodynamics after surgery concerning venous reflux and venous obstruction. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients who underwent surgical thrombectomy between the years 2000 and 2014 were included in this study; iliofemoral DVT was present in 52 of these patients. 35 patients could be reinvestigated after a mean follow-up of 8.5 years. CEAP (Clinical-Etiological-Anatomical-Pathophysiological) and Villalta scores were recorded in order to describe and assess PTS. Follow-up examinations included a detailed duplex mapping. Venous hemodynamics were measured by digital photoplethysmography and venous occlusion plethysmography. RESULTS: The primary patency rate of the iliofemoral segment was 88% after 8.5 years. 48% of all patients showed reflux in deep vein segments. Mild or moderate PTS occurred in 57% of all patients. Notably, there was no patient with an active ulcer or severe PTS. The mean venous outflow volume of all patients in the treated legs was 66.1 ml/100ml/min and significantly less than in the controlled contralateral non-treated legs (p<0.05). The mean venous refilling time was 16.3 seconds, while the mean value of the non-treated contralateral legs was 25.6 seconds and therefore significantly higher (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Even though venous hemodynamics are significantly inferior in the treated legs, this study demonstrates excellent patency rates and good clinical outcome after surgical thrombectomy of iliofemoral veins.

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BACKGROUND: With increasing age, it is increasingly common for patients to develop both chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). While there are special compression bandage systems commercially available for individuals thus affected, appropriate compression stockings have previously not been available. In the present study, we investigated the safety and effectiveness of a type of compression stocking specifically designed for this patient group (VenoTrain® angioflow, Bauerfeind Germany, German compression class 1 with high stiffness). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective case series, we included patients with both CVI (C3-C5 disease according to CEAP classification) and PAD (ankle-brachial index of < 0.9 and > 0.5; absolute ankle systolic pressure of > 60 mmHg). Primary outcome measures consisted of 1) safety in terms of PAD, as determined by measuring acral pressure using acral photoplethysmography (APPG), and 2) effectiveness in terms of CVI symptoms, as assessed by using a suitable questionnaire (VVSymQ). RESULTS: Fifty patients were evaluated (mean age: 67.1; mean ankle-brachial index: 0.75 ± 0.77). Fifteen patients had stage IIa PAD (according to Fontaine); 15, stage IIb; the remainder, stage I disease. Thirty-one patients had stage C3 CVI (according to CEAP classification); 16 patients, stage C4; and three patients, stage C5 disease. Immediately after donning the medical compression stocking, systolic arterial pressure in the big toe increased significantly (from 83.3 mmHg ± 27.6 mmHg to 90.8 mmHg ± 24.1 mmHg) (p = 0.026). The VVSymQ score dropped significantly from 5.0 ± 4.95 points to 1.4 ± 2.26 points (p < 0.001), thus reflecting an improvement in CVI symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The compression stocking tested herein is safe for individuals with an ankle brachial index ≥ 0.5. Skin damage was not observed.

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To date, there have been no studies comparing flat-knit and round-knit compression garments for maintenance therapy of lymphedema of the leg. According to expert opinion, flat-knit fabrics are generally recommended for this purpose. Given the differences in the clinical presentation of lymphedema in terms of disease stage and location as well as patient adherence, and, last but not least, for economic reasons, it seems questionable whether all patients with lymphedema of the leg actually do require flat-knit compression garments. Considering technical aspects, published data and our own clinical experience, it seems reasonable that the choice of compression stockings be based on clinical findings and not on the diagnosis. Typical indications for flat-knit garments include significant differences in leg circumference as well as deep skin folds and edema of the toes/forefoot. However, there are also patients with lymphedema who benefit from round-knit fabrics with a high degree of stiffness. In any case, prior to maintenance therapy, it is essential to adequately decongest the legs using compression bandages and/or adaptive compression systems.

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Gram-negative germs with and without multi-resistance are garnering more and more importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and rate of resistance against antibiotics and to clarify the impact of Gram-negative bacteria, especially with high rates of resistance, for the treatment of venous leg ulcers. This is a retrospective, monocentric, non-randomised open study. Included were all data within 1 year of bacterial swabs of venous leg ulcers. We performed summarization, pooling, and descriptive analysis for frequencies and crossover. We analysed 679 swabs of 285 patients with venous leg ulcers. The mean patient age was 69.78 years. There were 76.1% Gram-positive and 58.2% Gram-negative germs detected; 56.5% of the swabs showed multi-resistance. Gram-negative bacteria were associated with more pain. Exacerbation and relevant aggravation of wounds that led to stationary treatment occurred more frequently. With polihexanid treatment, we saw less Gram-negative flora. This study showed an immediate impact of Gram-negative germs on the patient's pain, the risk for aggravation, and the choice of treatment. Further studies for prophylaxis and treatment of Gram-negative germs in venous leg ulcer therapy are needed.

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Successful management of patients with leg ulcers requires identification of the underlying etiology, with subsequent initiation of causal treatment, if feasible. Supplementary measures of first choice include stage-adjusted wound treatment, usually combined with compression therapy. The significance of systemic drugs has been the subject of controversial debate, depending on the underlying cause of the condition. The present review article is therefore meant to highlight current aspects of systemic drug therapies for the treatment of leg ulcers associated with chronic venous insufficiency, peripheral arterial disease, livedoid vasculopathy, vasculitis, necrobiosis lipoidica, calciphylaxis and pyoderma gangrenosum. In summary, the majority of therapeutic options presented herein are used off-label. While systemic drugs are promising options for the more common types of wounds such as venous, mixed or arterial leg ulcers, they do not represent the current standard of treatment. By contrast, systemic agents play a key role in the management of many of the other disorders presented herein. These agents primarily include immunomodulatory and rheological drugs used to expedite wound healing.

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The objective of the present S1 guidelines is to present current knowledge about dermatologically relevant diseases associated with localized dermal lymphostasis, thus facilitating their early detection, diagnostic workup, and targeted treatment. Whenever possible, treatment should be based on stage-appropriate and clearly defined algorithms. The numerous issues regarding differential diagnosis and treatment clinicians are confronted with in everyday clinical practice seem to warrant the publication of up-to-date guidelines. These guidelines focus on patients of all age groups and genders exhibiting skin lesions caused by dermal lymphostasis. Specific recommendations are provided with respect to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the various clinical manifestations. In this context, comorbid skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, urticaria, and contact dermatitis will be highlighted, including their treatment and associated specific risks. Several other relevant current guidelines are referenced as regards the distinction from and treatment of common cofactors and comorbid conditions.

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Das Ziel dieser S1-Leitlinie ist es, aktuelles Wissen über dermatologisch relevante Krankheitsbilder bei lokal begrenzter dermaler Lymphostase an allen Lokalisationen des Hautorgans zu vermitteln, um diese frühzeitig zu erkennen, diagnostisch zu sichern und gezielt zu behandeln. Wann immer möglich, sollte diese Therapie anhand klar definierter Algorithmen stadiengerecht erfolgen. Die im klinischen Alltag häufig auftauchenden differenzialdiagnostischen und therapeutischen Fragen lassen eine aktuelle Leitlinie notwendig erscheinen. Diese Leitlinie fokussiert auf Patienten jeglichen Alters und Geschlechts mit Hautveränderungen, die im kausalen Zusammenhang mit dermaler Lymphostase stehen. In konkreten Handlungsempfehlungen werden die Diagnostik und Differenzialdiagnostik der verschiedenen Manifestationsformen bei gleichzeitig auftretender dermatologischer Komorbidität wie beispielsweise atopische Dermatitis, Psoriasis vulgaris, Acne inversa, Urtikaria, Kontaktekzeme sowie ihre Therapien unter Berücksichtigung besonderer Risiken veranschaulicht. Für die Abgrenzung und Behandlung häufiger therapierelevanter Kofaktoren und Komorbidität wird auf mehrere andere hierfür relevante aktuelle Leitlinien verwiesen.

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The present, revised guidelines on lipedema were developed under the auspices of and funded by the German Society of Phlebology (DGP). The recommendations are based on a systematic literature search and the consensus of eight medical societies and working groups. The guidelines contain recommendations with respect to diagnosis and management of lipedema. The diagnosis is established on the basis of medical history and clinical findings. Characteristically, there is a localized, symmetrical increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue in arms and legs that is in marked disproportion to the trunk. Other findings include edema, easy bruising, and increased tenderness. Further diagnostic tests are usually reserved for special cases that require additional workup. Lipedema is a chronic, progressive disorder marked by the individual variability and unpredictability of its clinical course. Treatment consists of four therapeutic mainstays that should be combined as necessary and address current clinical symptoms: complex physical therapy (manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, exercise therapy, and skin care), liposuction and plastic surgery, diet, and physical activity, as well as psychotherapy if necessary. Surgical procedures are indicated if - despite thorough conservative treatment - symptoms persist, or if there is progression of clinical findings and/or symptoms. If present, morbid obesity should be therapeutically addressed prior to liposuction.

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Die vorliegende überarbeitete Leitlinie zum Lipödem wurde unter der Federführung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Phlebologie (DGP) erstellt und finanziert. Die Inhalte beruhen auf einer systematischen Literaturrecherche und dem Konsens von acht medizinischen Fachgesellschaften und Berufsverbänden. Die Leitlinie beinhaltet Empfehlungen zu Diagnostik und Therapie des Lipödems. Die Diagnose ist dabei auf der Basis von Anamnese und klinischem Befund zu stellen. Charakteristisch ist eine umschriebene, symmetrisch lokalisierte Vermehrung des Unterhautfettgewebes an den Extremitäten mit deutlicher Disproportion zum Stamm. Zusätzlich finden sich Ödeme, Hämatomneigung und eine gesteigerte Schmerzhaftigkeit der betroffenen Körperabschnitte. Weitere apparative Untersuchungen sind bisher besonderen Fragestellungen vorbehalten. Die Erkrankung ist chronisch progredient mit individuell unterschiedlichem und nicht vorhersehbarem Verlauf. Die Therapie besteht aus vier Säulen, die individuell kombiniert und an das aktuelle Beschwerdebild angepasst werden sollten: komplexe physikalische Entstauungstherapie (manuelle Lymphdrainage, Kompressionstherapie, Bewegungstherapie, Hautpflege), Liposuktion und plastisch-chirurgische Interventionen, Ernährung und körperliche Aktivität sowie ggf. additive Psychotherapie. Operative Maßnahmen sind insbesondere dann angezeigt, wenn trotz konsequent durchgeführter konservativer Therapie noch Beschwerden bestehen bzw. eine Progredienz des Befundes und/oder der Beschwerden auftritt. Eine begleitend zum Lipödem bestehende morbide Adipositas sollte vor einer Liposuktion therapeutisch angegangen werden.

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Patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease who show an ankle arterial pressure of minimum 60 mmHg can be decongested by use of special padded bandages. Afterwards, medical compression stockings (class 1) with high strength and less elasticity are recommended. Mobile patients seem to benefit from progressive compression therapy with highest pressure above the calf. Compression after uncomplicated interventions of varicose veins or spider veins tends to be modified to a short and excentric compression in patients without risk factors. Valid datas are not available yet. Adaptive compression bandages show pros concerning efficiency, economy and more comfort for patients with edemas or ulcers.

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