Primary vs. Secondary Varicose Veins Clinical Differentiation

Primary varicose veins are more common in young and middle-aged females, with negative general examination and less common complications. Secondary varicose veins occur more in middle and old age, with a higher incidence in males due to DVT, and may have positive general examination findings in cases of tumors or A-V fistula. Complications are more common in secondary varicose veins, and there is a history of DVT or trauma. Duplex ultrasound may show A-V fistula or compressed veins by a tumor in secondary varicose veins.

Primary varicose veins are more common in young and middle-aged females, while secondary varicose veins occur more in middle and old age, with a higher incidence in males due to DVT.

Complications are less common in primary varicose veins but can happen if long-standing, while complications are more common in secondary varicose veins. There is no history of DVT/trauma in primary varicose veins, whereas there is a history of DVT/trauma in secondary varicose veins.