Varicose veins classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

The CEAP (Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, and Pathophysiological) Classification has been developed to help in diagnosis, staging, and treating Varicose veins/Chronic Venous Insufficiency. The patients with Varicose veins can present with symptoms ranging from discomfort, itching, ulceration, swelling to DVT (Deep vein thrombosis) depending on the severity of the disease. This classification helps us stage the disease, while also providing useful information about the anatomy, cause, and the pathophysiology of the disease which with help in deciding the method of management. The CEAP classification has four major categories(Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, and Pathophysiological); each of them divided into multiple subcategories^[1].

According to the CEAP classification varicose veins which is a part of chronic venous insufficiency can be staged as follows:

• C0-No visible signs of venous disease
• C1-Telengectases or reticular veins
• C2-Varicose veins
• C3- Edema without skin changes
• C4-Changes in the skin and subcutaneous tissues: A) Pigmentation or eczema, B)Lipodermatosclerosis or atrophie blanche
• C5- Healed Ulcer
• C6-Active ulcer

• Congenital(ie Klippel Trenauney Syndrome)
• Primary
• Secondary(ie Post-thrombotic syndrome,trauma)
• No venous cause identified)

• Superfiicial
• Deep
• Perforator
• No venous location identified

• Reflux
• Obstrucion or Thrombosis
• Reflux and obstruction
• No venus pathophysiology identified in advanced stages

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