Estrogen and progesterone receptors: their role in postsclerotherapy angiogenesis telangiectatic matting (TM)

Sclerotherapy of lower limb veins: Indications, contraindications and treatment strategies to prevent complications - A consensus document of the International Union of Phlebology-2023

BACKGROUND

Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive procedure commonly used to treat superficial venous disease, vascular malformations and other ectatic vascular lesions. While extremely rare, sclerotherapy may be complicated by serious adverse events.

OBJECTIVES

To categorise contraindications to sclerotherapy based on the available scientific evidence.

METHODS

An international, multi-disciplinary panel of phlebologists reviewed the available scientific evidence and developed consensus where evidence was lacking or limited.

RESULTS

Absolute Contraindications to sclerotherapy where the risk of harm would outweigh any benefits include known hypersensitivity to sclerosing agents; acute venous thromboembolism (VTE); severe neurological or cardiac adverse events complicating a previous sclerotherapy treatment; severe acute systemic illness or infection; and critical limb ischaemia. Relative Contraindications to sclerotherapy where the potential benefits of the proposed treatment would outweigh the risk of harm or the risks may be mitigated by other measures include pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding; hypercoagulable states with risk of VTE; risk of neurological adverse events; risk of cardiac adverse events and poorly controlled chronic systemic illness. Conditions and circumstances where Warnings and Precautions should be considered before proceeding with sclerotherapy include risk of cutaneous necrosis or cosmetic complications such as pigmentation and telangiectatic matting; intake of medications such as the oral contraceptive and other exogenous oestrogens, disulfiram and minocycline; and psychosocial factors and psychiatric comorbidities that may increase the risk of adverse events or compromise optimal treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Sclerotherapy can achieve safe clinical outcomes provided that (1) patient-related risk factors and in particular all material risks are (1a) adequately identified and the risk benefit ratio is clearly and openly discussed with treatment candidates within a reasonable timeframe prior to the actual procedure; (1b) when an individual is not a suitable candidate for the proposed intervention, conservative treatment options including the option of 'no intervention as a treatment option' are discussed; (1c) complex cases are referred for treatment in controlled and standardised settings and by practitioners with more expertise in the field; (1d) only suitable individuals with no absolute contraindications or those with relative contraindications where the benefits outweigh the risks are offered intervention; (1e) if proceeding with intervention, appropriate prophylactic measures and other risk-mitigating strategies are adopted and appropriate follow-up is organised; and (2) procedure-related risk factors are minimised by ensuring the treating physicians (2a) have adequate training in general phlebology with additional training in duplex ultrasound, procedural phlebology and in particular sclerotherapy; (2b) maintain their knowledge and competency over time and (2c) review and optimise their treatment strategies and techniques on a regular basis to keep up with the ongoing progress in medical technology and contemporary scientific evidence.

Use of brimonidine tartrate to resolve telangiectatic matting: case report

Sclerotherapy is currently the treatment of choice for telangiectasias and reticular veins, with grade 1A recommendation in the European Guideline for sclerotherapy. The most common side effects of this procedure are hyperpigmentation and telangiectatic matting, the second of which provokes great concern because of the esthetic damage and the difficulty of treatment. Matting refers to vessels with a diameter of less than 0.2 mm, which may emerge irregularly or in well-defined areas, especially on the lower limbs. This report presents a case of matting treated with topical Brimonidine Tartrate.

Pathophysiology of telangiectasias of the lower legs and its therapeutic implication: A systematic review

Objective Telangiectasias of the lower legs are intradermal dilatations of the subpapillary venous plexus, but their pathophysiology and risk factors are still largely unknown. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the pathophysiology and risk factors for telangiectasias. Methods A systematic review of the literature indexed in Medline completed with textbooks and European phlebology journals from the French, Swiss, and German phlebology societies was performed. Results A multitude of risk factors and several pathophysiological hypotheses, such as reflux, arterio-venous micro-shunts, parietal, and connective tissue abnormalities, are described in the literature. The different hypotheses are discussed and put in a clinical perspective, in particular their therapeutic implications for phlebologists. Conclusion In conclusion, pathophysiology and risk factors of telangiectasias are still largely unknown, and a better understanding could improve treatment results and reduce recurrence.

Telangiectatic Matting is Associated with Hypersensitivity and a Bleeding Tendency

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to investigate the pathogenesis of telangiectatic matting (TM) and identify possible risk factors.

METHODS

This study had two parts. The clinical records of consecutive patients were retrospectively analysed to identify risk factors for TM. In the second part, the haemostatic and coagulation profile of the subset of patients with TM were analysed and compared with controls using standard coagulation tests, platelet function and a global assay of coagulation (rotational thromboelastometry, ROTEM).

RESULTS

In 352 consecutive patients presenting to a phlebology practice, 25 patients had TM (7.1%). All 25 patients were female with the median age of 45 (27-57) years. A comprehensive medical history was taken. Among 27 possible risk factors assessed, statistically significant associations included recurrent epistaxis, easy bruising, hypersensitivity (eczema, hives, hay fever, and rhinitis), previous treatment with sclerotherapy or endovenous laser for lower limb veins, and a family history of telangiectasias. Variables not associated with TM included oral contraceptive intake, hormone replacement therapy, and age. The haemostatic and coagulation profile of 12 patients (6 male and 6 female) with TM did not differ significantly from those without TM.

CONCLUSION

TM is associated with both hypersensitivity and a bleeding tendency. This study revealed no significant increase in the incidence of haemostatic abnormalities in patients with TM compared with the control group. Given the significant association with hypersensitivity disorders, the underlying mast cell hyper-reactivity may contribute to both hypersensitivity and a bleeding tendency and predispose patients to TM.

Unilateral nevoid telangiectasia: a rare disease?

Unilateral nevoid telangiectasia is a rare congenital or acquired disorder. The majority of the authors propose that it is probably related to elevated estrogen receptors, although other authors advocate different theories. We report the occurrence of lesions clinically compatible with this diagnosis in a child and two adults. Only one of the patients had a background of estrogen elevation. The other two patients were healthy. We stress the occurrence of this disease in a rare idiopathic form and point out to the relative elevated incidence of it, because the patients discussed in this article were observed for a short period of time.

Results of an Electronic Mail Survey on Hormones and Telangiectasias

BACKGROUND

The relationship between the development of telangiectasias and hormonal intake has not been well studied and is empirically managed by phlebologists.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the behavior of the international phlebologic community regarding the treatment of leg telangiectasia in patients taking oral contraceptives or receiving postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy.

METHODS

Simple questions concerning the causal effects of hormones, their influence on treatment, and general behavior were asked by an electronic mail questionnaire sent to 131 phlebologists in my personal database.

RESULTS

The 61 answers received show the existence of two opposite "parties" concerning the influence of hormones on telangiectasia: cause and treatment.

CONCLUSION

Opposite opinions without any scientific basis underline the ignorance surrounding a subject that concerns 50% of our patients.