The White House announced that President Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) after experiencing swelling in his lower legs and ankles.
Trump diagnosed with a common venous condition after swelling of the leg
Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt mentioned that the president underwent a thorough examination, which explained the inflammation in his lower limbs.
“We conducted bilateral lower extremity venous ultrasound, particularly for individuals over 70, and identified chronic venous deficiency, which is quite common,” Leavitt explained to reporters.
What are the medical details of Trump’s diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when blood flow in the superficial or deep veins is compromised, resulting in venous hypertension, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Conditions related to chronic venous insufficiency can negatively affect quality of life and reduce productivity at work, the NIH reported.
What are the risks associated with CVI?
“Importantly, there were no signs of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” Leavitt affirmed. “The president is in excellent health.”
She added that Trump is currently taking medications consistent with a general cardiovascular prevention plan.
If left untreated, CVI can progressively worsen, leading to complications such as post-thrombotic syndrome and venous ulcers.
Post-thrombotic syndrome often results in blood clots developing in the deep veins of the legs.
The NIH estimates that between 10% and 35% of adults in the United States suffer from CVI, and around 4% of older adults (those over 65) develop venous ulcers.
Are there any new treatments for CVI?
Management of CVI generally requires ongoing treatment, but a complete cure is not usually achievable. Some individuals may utilize both pharmacological and surgical interventions to alleviate symptoms.
One of the newer treatments available is mechanochemical ablation. This involves rotating a wire inside a catheter to damage the venous lining while injecting a solution that causes the vein to collapse, according to Medical Technology.
Another treatment option is Venaseal, a medical adhesive injected into affected veins, sealing them to redirect blood flow.
