Pseudo-obstruction — A New Venous Disorder — Case Reports

Abstract

Three patients are described who had no prior thrombosis or varicosities but who suffered from venous complaints, such as edema and pain in the lower extremity after standing. Although they all presented with a severe decrease in their maximal venous outflow on the affected side, no obstruction or hypoplasia was found on phlebograms. Other forms of obstruction and artifacts were ruled out. Normal function of the calf muscle pump and valves was present. An expla nation for this phenomenon is postulated. The altered histology of the vein wall supports the hypothesis that a change in elastic properties of the venous wall is present in these patients.