[Chronic venous insufficiency].

Chronic venous insufficiency is an advanced chronic venous disease, which as a result of venous hypertension leads to specific skin or subcutaneous tissue changes on the lower extremities. The descriptive CEAP classification enables a standardized classification of chronic venous disorders. Color-coded duplex ultrasonography is the center of diagnostic measures, which enable functional and morphological conclusions regarding specific venous changes and possible differential diagnoses. Chronic venous insufficiency therapy targets the reduction or elimination of the underlying venous hypertension. Due to their high prevalence and age-associated increase, chronic venous diseases represent a problem affecting the quality of life of persons concerned and representing a cost-intensive problem for public health care.