Foam sclerotherapy for reticular veins of the chest: a retrospective review of efficacy and safety.

BACKGROUND: No study has evaluated the use of foam sclerotherapy in treating clinically conspicuous reticular chest veins.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study evaluates patient-rated efficacy, safety, and satisfaction after foam sclerotherapy for reticular veins of the chest.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A telephone-based questionnaire was used for patient self-assessment of overall improvement, satisfaction, and adverse events. All patients had been treated with 0.25% to 0.50% sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) foam using room air (1:4 ratio). The mean length of follow-up was 3.7 years.

RESULTS: Twelve of 23 patients were successfully contacted, with a total of 14 treatment sessions. Overall, patients reported scores of 2.4 ± 0.8 for overall improvement (0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, and 3 = complete resolution) and 1.75 ± 0.6 for satisfaction with results (0 = not satisfied at all, 1 = mildly satisfied, and 2 = very satisfied), with minor treatment-related adverse events.

CONCLUSION: Foam sclerotherapy with STS is effective for management of reticular veins of the chest with an excellent safety profile and high long-term patient satisfaction.