The role of peripheral arterial occlusive disease in the healing of venous ulcers

Background: The biggest challenge in patients with chronic venous insufficiency is venous ulcers that occur in stage 6 of the CEAP classification. In general, acute ulcers have a 71–80% chance of healing, while chronic ulcers only have a 22% chance of healing. Our clinical practice has shown that patients diagnosed with peripheral arterial occlusive disease have a much longer duration of the disease and a more difficult treatment of venous ulcers than patients with normal arterial circulation. Materials and Methods: The study included 105 patients with CVI and a developed leg ulcer. Among these, twenty patients were diagnosed with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. All patients were followed for more than twelve weeks. Results: Peripheral arterial occlusive disease was significantly more common in patients with delayed healing than in patients with normal venous ulcer healing: 18 (30%) vs. 2 (4.4%). for twelve weeks or longer, and it was statistically significant for p = 0.00097. Conclusion: Peripheral arterial occlusive disease has been shown to be an important indicator of venous epithelial wound healing. The establishment of good arterial circulation is closely related to the course of treatment of chronic venous ulcers.