Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) Practice Exam

What is a common sign of venous insufficiency?

1. Thin and shiny skin with hair loss

2. Diminished or absent pulses

3. Intermittent claudication

4. Stasis dermatitis with flaky, dry and scaling skin

The correct answer is: Stasis dermatitis with flaky, dry and scaling skin

Stasis dermatitis is indeed a common sign of venous insufficiency. This condition arises due to prolonged venous hypertension, which leads to blood pooling in the lower extremities. One of the skin manifestations of this prolonged venous pressure is dermatitis, characterized by flaky, dry, and scaling skin. The buildup of waste products and fluid in the tissues can cause the skin to become inflamed, leading to changes such as redness, swelling, and eventually, scaling as the condition progresses. In contrast, the other signs listed are associated with different vascular issues. Thin and shiny skin with hair loss is more commonly related to arterial insufficiency rather than venous issues. Diminished or absent pulses are typically linked to arterial conditions and indicate trouble with blood flow through the arteries. Intermittent claudication, which involves pain in the muscles due to inadequate blood circulation during physical activity, also points towards arterial insufficiency. Stasis dermatitis directly reflects the effects of chronic venous insufficiency, making it the most relevant indication in this context.