Classification of venous ulcers

classification of venous ulcers

The American Venous Forum has developed a system known as the CEAP classification where venous ulceration is classified according to the clinical findings, aetiology, anatomical distribution, and pathophysiological dysfunction.

• clinical classification - based on objective clinical signs of chronic venous disease (C0-6) and urther differentiated according to whether the patient is asymptomatic (A) or symptomatic (S).
  • C0 - no visible or palpable signs of venous disease
  • C1 - telangiectases or reticular veins
  • C2 - varicose veins
  • C3 - oedema
  • C4 - skin changes such as lipodermatosclerosis
  • C5 - healed ulceration
  • C6 - active ulceration

• aetiological classification
  • EC - congenital
  • EP - primary
  • ES - secondary
    
    
• anatomical classification - the anatomical extent of venous disease
  • AS - in the superficial vein
  • AD - deep vein
  • AP - perforating veins
    
    
• pathophysiological classification
  • PR - reflux
  • PO - obstruction
  • PR,O - both

Reference:

• (1) van Gent WB, Wilschut ED, Wittens C. Management of venous ulcer disease. BMJ. 2010;341:c6045.